Boxing fans across South Africa, from government officials, to politicians, to supporters, have paid their respects and glowing tributes to former world champion Dingaan The Rose of Soweto Thobela, following his passing on Monday .
Thobela, who was widely recognised as one of this countrys greatest fighters, was found dead in his flat in Joburg on Monday. He was 57. It is understood Thobela had been ill for some time.
Zizi Kodwa, the minister of sport, led the tributes by saying: Dingaan Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of a nation.
Dingaan The Rose of Soweto Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts are with the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. #RIPDingaanThobela @CyrilRamaphosa @SportArtsCultur pic.twitter.com/mqYyvChJSH Minister of Sport, Arts Culture (@zizikodwa) April 30, 2024The Economic Freedom Fighters posted a message on X that reads: The EFF extends condolences on the passing of this legendary and iconic boxer. A titan in the boxing world.
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 pic.twitter.com/SCBHpF1kt8 Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 30, 2024Boxing writer and pundit Clinton van den Berg expressed his sadness at the passing of the former two division world champion, saying on X: The great Dingaan Thobela gone far too soon. Aged 57, he ranks among SAs all-time best. Winning a world championship at lightweight, then moving through 5 divisions to win one at super middleweight, just staggering. His battle with the scales legendary, but a supreme human. RIP.
One of South Africas biggest current talents, Kevin Lerena, also paid tribute to the former world star, saying: Your talent and determination in the rung will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities, pushing me to reach my fullest potential.Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ pic.twitter.com/G4l2Dp97fR Kevin Lerena (@Kevlerenaboxing) April 30, 2024The South African government posted an official statement on X, alerting the country to the passing of Thobela. They say in their message: Good morning South Africa.
Saddened to hear about the passing of #TheRoseOfSoweto. With a heavy heart, condolences to the family and let the memories of Dingaan Thobela bring comfort. May your soul rest in peace #RIPDingaanThobela the legend.
Good morning South Africa. Saddened to hear about the passing of #TheRoseOfSoweto With a heavy heart, condolences to the family and let the memories of Dingaan Thobela bring comfort. May your soul rest in peace #RIPDingaanThobela the legend pic.twitter.com/z1AjVFlrTI South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 30, 2024Dave Nosworthy, a cricket coach and boxing fan, called Thobela A tactician of note.
RIP #DingaanThobela So very sad to hear that this #legend has passed away. Grew up watching The Rose Of Soweto in each and every one of his televised fights A tactician of note with real heart!! Rest Well pic.twitter.com/JNvMxKzuo2 Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) April 29, 2024SABC Sport, who in their day would have shown the majority of Thobelas fights on national television, also sent a message on X, paying their respects.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of boxing legend Dingaan Thobela. May his legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and admired him. #RIPDingaanThobela #TheRoseOfSoweto pic.twitter.com/muXtb2ChCQ SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) April 30, 2024
