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Former world boxing champion Dingaan Thobela appeared at the Johannesburg commercial crimes court this morning for charges related to his funeral service business. Picture by: Cara Viereckl |
Thobela, a celebrated figure in South African sports, was found dead in his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on Monday evening.
Thobela, born Dingaan Bongane Thobela, had been facing health challenges recently. His childhood friend, Eddie Mutungutungu, confirmed his passing, stating that Thobela had been unreachable on his mobile phone, leading to his family discovering his untimely death with the assistance of the police.
Thobela's health had prevented him from attending Boxing SA's symposium at the Arena Holdings offices in Parktown just days before his passing. Despite his health struggles, Thobela leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in boxing.
During his career, Thobela held three world titles in two weight divisions. He first secured the WBO and WBA lightweight belts, followed by his crowning achievement in September 2000, when he captured the prestigious WBC super middleweight belt with a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley at Carnival City in Brakpan, with trainer Elias Tshabalala in his corner.
Thobela was separated from his common-law wife Sandra, with whom he had two children, Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior. His victories transcended racial divides in South Africa, with his triumphs celebrated across the nation and bringing communities to a standstill in jubilation.
Thobela's passing comes as another blow to the South African boxing community, following the recent loss of former SA welterweight champion Joseph Makaringe, who passed away after a short illness just two weeks prior. Dingaan Thobela's legacy as a boxing icon and a unifying figure in South African sports will be remembered and cherished by many.
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