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FORMER boxing world champion and darling of South African sports Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela has been found dead at his Jo’burg flat after battling illness.
The celebrated boxer from Chiawelo, Soweto, was found dead in his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on Monday evening.
Born Dingaan Bongane Thobela, 57 years ago, Thobela had been unwell.
His childhood friend Eddie Mutungutungu confirmed the former world champion was found dead after several attempts to contact him drew a blank.
“He was strangely unavailable on his mobile, and his family, accompanied by police, managed to gain access to his place of residence and found he had passed on,” Mutungutungu told Sowetan.
His poor health prevented him from attending Boxing SA’s symposium at the Arena Holdings offices in Parktown last Friday.
Thobela held three world titles in two-weight divisions — the first two being the WBO and WBA lightweight belts in the lightweight divisions early in his blossoming career under veteran trainer Norman Hlabane.
In September 2000, the “Rose” finally bloomed as Thobela won the most prestigious WBC supermiddleweight belt via a 12th-roud stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley at Carnival City in Brakpan.
Trainer Elias Tshabalala was in his corner.
Thobela was separated from his common law wife Sandra. They had two children together, Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior.
He enjoyed South African support beyond colour lines as his victories outside the country traffic to a standstill, with wild celebrations in townships.
Just two weeks ago, Joseph Makaringe — the former SA welterweight champion — passed away after a short illness.
Meanwhile, the tributes continued to flow for Thobela as news of his death was confirmed on Monday night.
It was believed that Thobela had been battling an undisclosed illness, before he was found deceased at his home in Johannesburg on Monday.
He was 57.
The SA government led the tributes for the former boxing star on X, formerly Twitter.
Good morning South Africa.
Saddened to hear about the passing of #TheRoseOfSoweto
With a heavy heart, condolences to the family and let the memories of Dingaan Thobela bring comfort.
May your soul rest in peace #RIPDingaanThobela the legend pic.twitter.com/z1AjVFlrTI — South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 30, 2024 “With a heavy heart”
“Good morning South Africa.
Saddened to hear about the passing of #TheRoseOfSoweto.
With a heavy heart, condolences to the family and let the memories of Dingaan Thobela bring comfort.
May your soul rest in peace #RIPDingaanThobela the legend.”
Orlando Pirates Football club posted: @orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of South African boxing legend, Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela.
On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Thobela family.
Rest In Peace, Champ.”
The SA minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said: “Dingaan ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts are with the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity.”
Thobela had a long boxing career that ran from 1986 until 2006. The highlight was when he beat American Tony Lopez in a rematch at Sun City in 1993 to claim the WBA Lightweight title. — The Sowetan/IOL Sport.
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