The funeral service of the late boxing legend Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela was held at the Dlamini Multipurpose Centre in Soweto on Thursday.
Thobela, a three-time world boxing champion, died at the age of 57 on April 29. He was found deceased in his apartment.
The first part of the funeral service proceedings started in the morning at the Multipurpose Centre. Here where boxers and boxing administrators, family, friends and government officials paid their last respects.
Special official provincial funeral
Thobela was accorded a special official provincial funeral. He was buried in a white coffin, which had his white gloves and one of his belts on it.
Ndivhuo Nemugumoni, who read a letter on behalf of Thobela’s parents, said the boxer’s death left them with many unanswered questions.
“We really thought that one day we would be buried by you, but instead we are burying you. This is a very painful experience considering that your passing was so sudden. We are left with so many questions and unspoken words. Though we know that it is all God’s plan. Who are we to question it? You were the Rose of Soweto but to us, you were an ambitious and humble boy.
“When I, Godfrey, your father, discovered your talent and decided to send you to Bab’ Hlabane, we did not think you would be a three-time world champion. Through all your success you still remained humble. And that’s what we loved about you,” reads the letter.
Parents proud of legacy the boxer left
His parents also paid tribute to how he empowered them. They said although Thobela was young, he was able to introduce and teach them about the undertaker business. The said business is the successful (The Rose Funerals).
“We call you our son but you were raised and loved by so many people. And you made us so proud.”
Eddie Mutungutungu, who grew up with Thobela in chiawelo, Soweto, said he knew him for 42 years. They met when they were 15.
“He was a naughty boy. We always went home crying after we were involved in quarrels on the street. His father would tell us that nobody must come home crying and we must fight back. That’s how boxing found Dingaan.
Thobela leaves behind his parents, nine siblings, 14 children and nine grandchildren. He was laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
