Tributes and messages of condolences are pouring in for the retired and celebrated boxing legend Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela, who passed away on Monday night. Thobela, 57, was found dead in his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg.
He was the golden boy of South African boxing in the late 1980s and early 1990s Thobela was an inspiration to young township boys . He inspired them to believe they too could become world champions if they were determined to succeed.
Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award recipient
In his prime, Thobela held three world titles in two weight divisions, the WBO and WBA lightweight belts He also held the most prestigious WBC super-middleweight belt. The Rose of Soweto was also a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award. He hung his gloves in 2006, having started his career as a pugilist in 1986.
Popular TV presenter Carol Tshabalala said: “I am still in shock at the passing of an eternal great. The Rose of Soweto conquered the boxing world, set many milestones and laid the path for a generation of young boxers. Thank you for sharing your light with us. Rest In Peace Dingaan Thobela.”
Former boxing champion Lovemore Ndou said: “I’m totally devastated, shattered and lost for words to hear about the passing of a life hero and friend, Dingaan Thobela. Rest in eternal peace my friend. My deepest condolences to the family.”
Boxer Kevin Lerena said: “Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities. Pushed me to reach my fullest potential. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ.”
Sports minister pays tribute
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family: “Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the heart and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to a three-time world champion as a professional.
“He fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title and 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. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation. He inspired future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country. My deepest sympathies go to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto.”
Red berets also mourn Rose of Soweto
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also sent their message of condolences to the family. “The EFF extends condolences on the passing of this legendary and iconic boxer. A titan in the boxing world. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this legend. Rest in Revolutionary Peace, Rose of Soweto. #RIPDingaanThobela.”
Renowned Namibian boxing promoter Nestor Tobias has also remembered Thobela. “It’s very sad news. I have known Dingaan for a long time and he was like my brother. We called each other and had long chats on the phone. He was here in Namibia when I opened my academy. Thobela inspired a lot of Namibian boxers. Normally, I would invite him to my tournaments here in Namibia. He sent me an Afrikaans prayer on the 19th of this month,” Tobias said.
Boxing promoter and Thobela’s friend Andile Sidinile also paid his last respects.
