Picture: International boxing referee, judge, and commissioner Sylvia Mokaila and African Child Boxing Promoter, Mahlatsi Sediane/Kabelo Selebogo
By KABELO SELEBOGO
North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation is working in collaboration with Boxing South Africa (BSA) and African Child Boxing Promotion in a quest to empower young female boxers.
The official launch was graced by Mahikeng’s very own and internationally renowned referee, Judge, and Commissioner, Sylvia Mokaila, African Child Boxing Promotion, Mahlatsi Sediane, BSA acting CEO, Ntsikayezwe Sithole, Head of Department, Itumeleng Mogorosi, the City of Matlosana mayor, James Tsolela and boxing fanatics amongst others.
The initiative under the theme: “The Rise of Women in Boxing” was launched in Klerksdorp on 8 September 2023. According to the Head of Department, Itumeleng Mogorosi, the initiative strives to elevate and empower women in the boxing space, which is mainly dominated by men.
“As the department, we have been supporting both amateur and professional boxing by backing up local tournaments and boosting participants competing nationwide. We have also contributed the necessary resources needed by boxers and coaches.
“Recently, we accompanied and covered logistics costs for two women, Bukiwe Nonina (Female Boxer of the Year) and Asanda Simelane (Female Prospect of the Year and Female Fight of the Year), who were nominated at the 2023 South African Boxing Awards held in Durban,” said Mogorosi.
He further said all-female international boxing tournament that promises to keep boxing enthusiasts off their seats is sponsored by the department.
The six-bouts tournament that is expected to keep spectators on the edge of their seats will stage at Matlosana Banquet Hall in Klerksdorp on 16 September 2023 in Klerksdorp at 6pm, with the North West Boxers, Sazisiwe Simons from Rustenburg, Asisipho Mhluzana from Klerksdorp taking on their counterparts from other provinces and African countries.
Sylvia Mokaila will serve as a commissioner. Entertainment activities will start at 4pm, as a build-up to the bouts and entrance is free.
African Child Promoter, Mahlatsi Sediane said that the tournament is set to encourage both women inside and outside the ring to be part of the boxing fraternity. Sediane added that they want to give women equal opportunities in the sport.
Meanwhile, the BSA acting CEO, Ntsikayezwe Sithole said: “The concept forms part of Women in Boxing, which includes workshops and training to develop women ranging from boxers, ring announcers, referees, judges, coaches, managers, promoters and timekeepers.”
Former boxer and the City of Matlosana mayor, James Tsolela committed to setting aside a certain portion of funds from municipality sports grants to revive and develop boxing in the area.
The Guardian 