Mandla Enoch, better known as the African Dragonfly, is reshaping how South Africans think about yoga and wellness. A trained teacher from Rishikesh, India with a background in philosophy and anthropology, Mandla fuses yoga, mantra and movement with African culture and community. His approach is fresh, practical and deeply rooted in balance.
We spoke to him about his journey, his philosophy and the simple daily practices anyone can use to improve energy and clarity.
A Transformative Journey in Rishikesh
Mandla’s time training in India changed how he saw yoga. “Before I went to Rishikesh I thought yoga was only about physical health. My teachers showed me that yoga is also a tool for holistic healing. It strengthens the body but also brings peace to the mind, regulates emotions, balances energy and transforms the practitioner from the inside out.”
READ MORE: 7 Reasons Why Yoga is Important for Mind, Body, and Soul
In his classes Mandla combines mantra, movement and philosophy. For him it is about going beyond exercise. “People are realising more and more that while physical movement is beneficial it can’t meet the need of knowing oneself on a deeper level. Modern wellness has to speak to the whole being, not just the body.”
Breaking Misconceptions Around Yoga
Yoga often carries stereotypes of being either too spiritual or too easy. Mandla challenges that. “Yoga does have a rich spiritual tradition but it can also be a practical tool to bring balance to daily life. In my classes I share easy tips and tricks people can use right away. That’s why I enjoy working with spaces like the Corona Sunsets Festival. It is not just music, it is about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself and embracing a holistic lifestyle.”
That message of balance and reconnection takes centre stage this spring as the Corona Sunsets Festival makes its long-awaited return to Johannesburg this weekend at Casalinga in Muldersdrift.
The line-up is stacked with South African heavyweights Major League DJz, DBN Gogo and Zakes Bantwini alongside international Afro-House star AMÉMÉ and global sensation Jeremy Loops, fresh off his celebrated performance at Glastonbury. Festival-goers can also look forward to performances from the Ndlovu Youth Choir, Culoe De Song, FKA Mash and more than 20 acts across two stages.
READ MORE: The 4 Ways Yoga Can Improve Chronic Health Conditions
But Corona Sunsets Festival is more than just a party. Rooted in the brand’s “More Than Music” ethos, the event blends immersive art installations, eco-conscious food, and the iconic sunset ritual designed to help people disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature. This year’s edition also marks 100 years of Corona under the sun.
Three Practices for Busy People
For those looking to bring yoga into a hectic life, Mandla recommends three simple practices:
- Cat-cow stretch: Mobilises the spine and boosts energy, done on the floor or seated in a chair
- Alternate nostril breathing: Calms the mind and reduces stress instantly
- Yogic breathing: Increases lung capacity, delivers oxygen to the brain and energises the body
Bringing South African Philosophy to Wellness
Mandla believes South Africa has much to teach the world. “We have an Afro-centric style rooted in principles like Ubuntu and a strong connection to nature. These elements bring internal harmony. If shared globally they could shift wellness conversations that have been dominated by Western traditions.”
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For Mandla performing and teaching mirror life itself. “Being on stage requires you to be fully present. The same is true of life. One of the secrets to health and happiness is to be intentional in what we do and say. Moving mindfully and choosing words carefully creates greater clarity and joy.”
Creativity as a Wellness Tool
Creativity and wellness are inseparable in Mandla’s world. “Creative expression has always been a powerful wellness tool. The more creative my classes are the more effective they become as workouts. Creativity challenges both the body and the mind.”
Mandla’s closing message to Men’s Health readers is that balance is built, not given. “Living with balance and purpose is not easy. Life rarely flows smoothly but the secret is daily practice. In yoga we call this sadhana. Through consistent habits you balance your nervous system and move forward with purpose. A balanced lifestyle is created through small actions repeated over time.”
