Dingaan Thobela aka The Rose of Soweto passed away on 29 April 2024 and South Africans took to social media to mourn the professional boxer. Minister of Sports Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa released a statement reflecting on the three time world boxing champion.
How did Dingaan Thobela die?
On X, the official South African Government tweeted condolences to Dingaan Thobela’s family over his death. Dingaan was 57 year old and had two children Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior with estranged ex wife Sandra. Dingaan Thobela passed away after falling sick according to KAYA959.
Minister Zizi Kodwa pays tribute to Dingaan Thobela
South Africa’s Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Mr Kodwa released a statement where he highlighted Dingaan’s achievements:
“The World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, and World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight titles. The Rose of Soweto was also a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.”
Zizi Kodwa also noted that the boxing legend died as South Africa celebrated 30 years of democracy. He said:
“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. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.”
Who are Dingaan Thobela’s wife and family?
Dingaan Thobela was estranged from his wife Sandra and in 2014 he confirmed their divorce to Sunday World. The boxer did not go into details about the split from Sandra only saying his wife cheated and he wanted to protect his children Ntombi and Dingaan Junior. South Africans took to social media to share tributes to Dingaan and messages for his surviving family.
@Sthabzin_De_Dj said:
“The Rose of Soweto, My grandfather’s best friend, may your soul rest in eternal peace. #RIPDingaanThobela.”
@MakhanyaPBR wrote:
“#RIPDingaanThobela Rest in peace Rose of Soweto ,we use to sleep early so we can wake-up early hours of the morning to watch your fights when you fight overseas
@Fit_Mandisa commented:
“May his legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and admired him.”
“What I really admired about him, apart from the amazing career is the fact that he remains still today, the only African athlete I was taught about in school. I cannot stress enough the importance of this image #RIPDingaanThobela.”
@SherwinPeters73 reminisced:
“For us 90s kids – he was our national hero. I remember getting up at weird times to watch his champion fights with my dad. Deepest condolences to the loved ones of The Rose of Soweto, #RIPDingaanThobela.”
@siphosethu24507 added:
“I vividly recollect in the 90s when we were young he made boxing fashionable.”