Boxing SA under scrutiny as retired boxers demand missing millions

The Citizen

31-05-2025

Aggrieved former South Africa junior flyweight champion Dexter Dlamini slammed Boxing South Africa (BSA) for failing to pay retired boxers their share of the Boxing Benevolent Fund.
This comes after Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie disclosed in February that the fund had been looted and millions were missing.
Dlamini, from Klippoortjie, said he and many other former boxers have been unable to access the funds, despite being eligible.
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'We, as former boxers, are aggrieved because the money we contributed to the benevolent fund has disappeared,' said Dlamini.
'McKenzie is trying to find out where the money went. We contributed portions of our fight purses to the fund but never benefited from it. Around R11 million was siphoned from BSA.'
The fund, established over 40 years ago for professional boxers in South Africa, was designed to support retired pugilists and those facing hardship or injuries. A portion of each boxer's earnings was deducted to contribute to the fund.
However, it has been a subject of investigation due to its depletion, allegedly caused by financial mismanagement.
McKenzie has ordered an investigation to determine what happened to the funds and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible. His department has pledged to restore the fund and has donated R1 million toward its revival.
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Though Dlamini is confident the money will be recovered, he slammed the fund's administrators for lacking empathy.
'That money is supposed to go to retired boxers. We deserve our share. BSA should contact all the boxers who contributed, they know who we are and have our details. I saw on social media that Elijah 'Tap Tap' Makhathini received his portion. I want mine too,' he said.
Career
Dlamini was part of the golden era of boxing in SA from the 1970s to early 2000s, which saw several boxers win world titles and achieve international recognition.
The pugilist competed in 24 professional bouts, winning seven — including one by knockout — losing 12 (seven by knockout), and drawing five. He made his debut in April 1976, defeating Shadrack Mogapudi at Uncle Tom's Hall in Soweto.
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Dlamini captured his only title in 1978 when he outpointed Elliot Zondi to claim the newly created South African flyweight belt. He retired in 1983.
Decline
Dlamini was part of the golden era of boxing in South Africa, spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s — a period that saw several local fighters win world titles and gain international recognition.
'It's a pity our boxing is suffering. We no longer produce good boxers. Ekurhuleni used to have champion boxers in the past. We had the likes of Gerrie Coetzee.
'But now the standard has gone down because administrators aren't giving us a chance to unearth talent.
'Our young people are on drugs because of a lack of variety of sporting opportunities. Give us the know-how, and you will see a revival of the sport,' Dlamini said.
We contacted BSA and are awaiting a response.
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