Minister Kodwa pays tribute to boxing legend Dingaan Thobela
Minister Kodwa pays tribute to boxing legend Dingaan Thobela
The passing of Dingaan Thobela, the legendary South African boxer, has plunged the nation into mourning. Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, has expressed deep sadness at the loss of this esteemed athlete.
Boxing legend Thobela, fondly leaves behind a legacy that resonates profoundly in the realm of sports, evoking heartfelt tributes from across the globe.
Dingaan Thobela, ‘The Rose of Soweto,’ leaves a legacy of boxing greatness
Thobela, affectionately known as “The Rose of Soweto,” had a remarkable professional career spanning from 1986 to 2006. He achieved numerous accolades, including multiple world boxing titles such as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, as well as the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight titles.
Additionally, he was honored with the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.
Minister Kodwa paid tribute, stating, “Dingaan ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional.”
Reflecting on Dingaan’s Thobela iconic bouts, the Minister added, “Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the WBC super-middleweight title. Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world’s standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing.”
As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, Minister Kodwa emphasised Thobela’s contribution to the nation’s sporting legacy, saying, “We mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.”
Expressing condolences to Thobela’s family and the boxing community, he concluded, “I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto.”
Former boxing champion Thobela found dead in his Johannesburg flat
The news of Thobela’s passing emerged on Monday evening when authorities discovered his body at his flat in Johannesburg. Childhood friend Eddie Mutungutungu confirmed the sad news as reported by SowetanLive.
As previously reported by The South African, according to Mabaleng Sports Center, Thobela, a former professional boxer, held titles in two weight classes, leaving an indelible mark on South African boxing history.
SowetanLive reported, beyond his achievements, Dingaan’s Thobela victories transcended colour lines, uniting communities in celebration and admiration for his prowess in the ring.