- He was the pride of South Africa and his people equated him to American boxer Floyd Mayweather
- He was popularly known as ‘The Rose of Soweto’
- Dingaan was born on September 24, 1966
The tragic demise of Dingaan Thobela, a South African boxer popularly known as ‘The Rose of Soweto’ was shocking. Thobela is a two-time boxing champion in the Lightweight and Super Middleweight divisions.
He was the pride of South Africa and his people equated him to American boxer Floyd Mayweather. His life story is that of a man who rose above odds to pursue his sporting dream.
Who is Dingaan Thobela
Dingaan was born on September 24, 1966, in the sprawling South African slums of Soweto. His peers explain that despite his slum upbringing, he had an incredible journey in life. The sweet ending of it is he rose to the top and the whole world knew who he was.
He enjoyed immense popularity as his boxing career grew in an era in which South Africa was fighting the Apartheid rule. Being a black man in such a powerful sport at such a time was revolutionary for South Africa.
‘Bongani’ was always fascinated by the beat of the streets as a small child and his parents always nicknamed him ‘Bongani’. The nickname refers to the spirit of a warrior and Soweto requires such to survive. It is among the most dangerous slums in Africa but none of that ever held back the 57-year-old.
The late South African Boxer Dingaan Thobela. Photo/SuperSport
Dingaan Thobela fell in love with boxing as a young boy and he decided to try his luck in the sport. He enrolled in a local gym back in Soweto where he dutifully trained hard daily. His 80 wins and 3 losses in his amateur career said much about his commitment. He painted the ring with blood, sweat, and unyielding resolve to achieve his dream.
He entered the professional boxing division in 1986 with the WBO Lightweight Title, in mind. True to his commitment, he won against Mauricio Aceves in a thrilling match. His nickname the ‘Rose of Soweto’ took root from this win and he tried hard to project his neighbourhood in a good light.
He lost to American boxer Tony Lopez in 1993 but won a rematch rewarding him with two WBA lightweight titles. Dingaan Thobela performed his best in 2000 when he went up to super-middleweight. He defeated Britain’s Glenn Catley in the 12th round to win the WBC super-middleweight title.
His professional record stood at 40 victories, 14 losses, and 2 draws in the end.
What Happened to Dingaan Thobela?
His family is yet to reveal Thobela’s cause of death. South Africa’s Ministry of Sports announced his passing on at 57. He was found lifeless in his Johannesburg home on April 29.
“As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing,” Zizi Kodwa, the Sports Minister said.
He added: “We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou and other parts of the country.”
Dingaan Thobela. Photo/Zimoja Lezinto
Was Dingaan Thobela Married?
Thobela’s marriage life was tainted by his penchant for the fine things in life and lack of self-control. He spent most of time hanging out with celebrities and models which led him to engage Basetsana Kumalo, the former Miss South Africa. However, Thobela’s fast-paced lifestyle destroyed their relationship, and he later married another woman.
Those who knew him well said he was a generous man with a charming demeanour and women loved this side of him. He couldn’t help it and he gave in to the pleasures of the moment
Who is the Rose of Soweto?
Thobela was nicknamed the ‘Rose of Water’ because he blossomed in a very chaotic environment and difficult time – Apartheid era. However, he brought light to Soweto with his boxing. Being a black man in boxing at the time meant a lot for South Africa and he carried this honour until the day he took his last breath.
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