Parliament, Tuesday, 30 April 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture has noted with sadness the passing of Mr Dingaan Thobela, “The Rose of Soweto”.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Beauty Dlulane, said the committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider boxing fraternity.
“It is unfortunate that he departs when we have recently lost so many of our heroes and heroines in the sector, to COVID-19. The Rose of Soweto still had much to offer at 57, but as fate would have it, we woke up without him this morning.”
Mr Thobela reportedly succumbed to ill health and passed away at his home. At the peak of his career, he dominated the boxing scene. He was world champion in different weight categories – the World Boxing Organisation Lightweight division and World Boxing Council Super Middleweight division.
The Rose of Soweto is no more. Go well Rose, may your soul rest in peace.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTURE, MS BEAUTY DLULANE.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Mr Sibongile Maputi
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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