Never mind what any gullible wordsmith waxing lyrically wants you to believe, the truth is that the Women in Boxing committee is non-existent.
Women boxers still struggle getting fights despite the resolution taken at the boxing indaba in 2013 that promoters, especially those who get government grants, must include at least two female bouts in their tournaments. That does not happen and nothing has been done about it.
Currently there are about 25 licensed women boxers and 10 are SA champions. Some of those champions have not defended since they won the titles because there are no contenders.
The committee also could not assist Rita Mrwebi, who was denied a visa to travel to Sweden for a fight. It could not congratulate Smangele Hadebe for becoming the first to win a fully fledged ABU title in February.
But Sibusiso Zingange was invited by BSA for breakfast after winning the SA junior lightweight title. He fought in the same tournament where Hadebe added the ABU belt to her collection.
The WBC has rewarded Hadebe with a top 15 rating.
The committee was established by the board of Boxing SA in 2018. Boxing SA board member Zandile Kabini is the chairperson. It comprised Letlhogonolo Noge-Tungamirai, Noni Tenge, Esther Mashiya and Liz Butler.
Noge-Tungamirai was a board member of Boxing SA while Mashiya and Butler are ex-professional boxers. Tenge’s current status is that she is not licensed as a fighter.
Kabini said last year that SABC celebrated sports presenter Lebo Motsoeli joined the committee. It will be interesting to hear what will be discussed in a weeklong symposium on women boxing in Durban from August 22 to 26.
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