It’s high-fives for Legends work ethic

The Boxing Against Crime tournament in NU1 Mdantsane at Nkomponi squatter camp in Emaqokobheni will honour 16 political prisoners who after their release began to help transform their community through boxing.

The former boxers, known as the “Mdantsane 16”, were arrested in 1988 for their involvement in the liberation struggle, and were released in 2002 by former statesman, Thabo Mbeki on May 11 – as well as 16 PAC members who were jailed for the same cause.

Sadly, Mabhongo Jamela, Zwabantu Katsikatsi, Mcebisi Mafa, Albert Reshe, Xolile Faku, Bonakele Jwambi, who were in the “Mdantsane 16” have already passed on.

However, the Kana brothers Monwabis, Luyanda and Thando, Mbuyiselo Klaas, Mandlenkosi Jakavu, Mseki Mbusi, Soyiso Zuzani, Bongikhaya Petros and Wonke Faku will be there to witness their efforts being remembered.

“We are honouring the Sakhisizwe Boxing Club legends who helped the community of NU1 by bringing stability through boxing.

“Today I am managing a boxing club because of their strides and today we have professional boxers and champions because of their efforts,” said tournament organiser Lindile Velem. He said the community of NU1 decided to host the tournament to showcase their many talented young guns.

“We even founded another boxing club because they inspired us to stand up for what we believed in and strive for whatever we want.

“We are also trying to inspire the youth by spreading the word of the good work they did for this community.

“Hence we want to educate the youth during the tournament about drug and alcohol abuse – we are saying down with drugs and alcohol,” said Velem.

The Fort Jackson Premier Foods-sponsored tournament will see boxers from as young as 10 years old to 25 years of age, in both male and female categories, participating in the 70 bouts that will be on show.

Velem said boxers from Grahamstown and around the province would be on the menu.

“We can’t wait to display the high standards in amateur boxing at the moment, and for people to come and see that with their own eyes.

“Because these young boys and girls need to learn that they could make a living from this sport and be great as well.

“We want to produce the likes of former champions such as Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bhugu, Zolile Mbiki and the quickest knockout champion Zolani Tete.

“Because we want to have professionals here in NU1 like Mbuyiselo Klaas, who was unbeaten throughout his years in boxing.

“We also want to say to the girls that they can also be like Noni Thenge and Bomikazi Klaas, Unathi Myekeni and others,” said Velem.

We are trying to inspire the youth by spreading the word of the good work they did for this community