By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the former world boxing legend, Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela, who succumbed to his illness. today. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa said they are saddened by the passing of Thobela.
Kodwa said in a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela was a multiple world boxing champion, having won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, and World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight titles.
He further said, “The Rose of Soweto” as Thobela was affectionately known, was also a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award. Kodwa added that 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. 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 we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete, who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing,” he said.
According to Kodwa, they also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou and other parts of the country. He said they express their deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity.
“I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto,” said Kodwa.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture in Parliament, Beauty Dlulane said: “The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider boxing fraternity. It is unfortunate that he departs when we have recently lost so many of our heroes and heroines in the sector to COVID-19.
“The Rose of Soweto still had much to offer at 57, but as fate would have it, we woke up without him this morning. Thobela reportedly succumbed to ill-health and passed away at his home.”
Dlulane said at the peak of his career, he dominated the boxing scene. She said Thobela was world champion in different weight categories – the World Boxing Organisation Lightweight division and World Boxing Council Super Middleweight division.
TaungDailyNews 