Plans to pay tribute to ‘Happyboy’
Mdantsane boxing legend Nkosana “Happyboy” Mgxaji will finally be commemorated eight years after his death.
The newly-formed boxing structure Ubuntu Boxing Fraternity (UBF) will host a commemorative event, which will include the cleaning of Mgxaji’s grave in NU1, on Saturday.
Mgxaji, who was considered the torch-bearer of boxing in Mdantsane and beyond, died a pauper in February 2011.
Since then, several promises have been made including the turning his home in NU6 into a heritage site.
His grave in NU1 was also promised to be turned into a monument to cement his boxing legacy, which spreads beyond the Eastern Cape.
However, since then nothing has ever happened until UBF, a non-profit organisation, was formed in August last year.
“We are concerned by the silence over cementing Mgxaji’s legacy,” said UBF secretary Vuyani Mbinda.
“This is why we have decided to invoke his memory by holding this commemoration and we are planning to make it an annual event.”
Mbinda said the invitation has been extended to government officials, including provincial sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa.
This even though government is accused of not doing anything for Mgxaji, with former sports minister Fikile Mbalula being at the centre of unkept promises.
The commemoration is just one of the events planned by UBF with others already in place including the aiding of destitute former boxers by giving them groceries from the funds donated by local businessman Theo Mvalo.
The structure, chaired by former world champion Lindi Memani, also helps with funeral arrangements of ex-boxers, especially those that do not qualify for Boxing SA’s funeral cover.
Among the events lined up for the year include memorial lectures of late boxers such as Jomo Mpahla in May and celebration of Freedom Month in April focusing on the late Mzukisi Sikhweyiya, who died in exile.