Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Matutu
ZIMBABWEAN boxer Monica “Savage” Mnkandla, has been honoured on the continental stage after winning the Sports African Woman of the Year award at the prestigious GSport 2025 Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 25-year-old, who is based in South Africa, received her accolade during the awards’ 20th edition on Saturday. The GSport Awards are among the highlights of the South African sporting calendar, dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the achievements of women in sport.
Mnkandla, who last year scooped the Outstanding Professional Female Boxer of the Year at Zimbabwe’s Annual National Sports Awards (Ansa), described the new honour as a powerful reminder that her hard work is paying off.
“I’m honoured to have won the award. It means a lot to me because the GSport Awards are a huge platform as they recognise excellence in sports. Out of all the people who participated in awards I’m the only one who is into boxing. The competition was stiff as there were stars from different sporting disciplines,” she said.
“The people I was up against are equally good, and being exposed to such a platform encourages me to work even harder. My desire is to be an inspiration to other young people not only in my home area but across the nation and region. We must have more of young people breaking barriers and creating a future for themselves.”
She urged youngsters to shun drugs and substance abuse but to instead embrace discipline and hard work.
Mnkandla also thanked her family, friends and fans for their unwavering support, as well as the awards organisers for providing a platform that elevates women in sport.
Her journey began at Gwanda High School, where she joined a boxing club in 2013 while in Form One, initially to defend herself against bullying. That self defence class revealed a hidden talent.
A year later, she won gold at the Youth Games, representing Matabeleland South, and went on to dominate the competition throughout her school years. By 2016, with her O-levels complete, she committed fully to the sport, finishing her amateur career with an impressive record of 65 fights, 61 wins and just four defeats.
Since turning professional in August 2022, Mnkandla has remained unbeaten in seven fights. Last year, she captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan Africa bantamweight title after defeating Tanzanian fighter, Engine Kayange. She has also overcome notable opponents including Pamela Mutanga, Nomusa Ngema and Mitchell Mubaya.
Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) Matabeleland South provincial co-ordinator, Maculwamahle Nkomo, praised Mnkandla as a beacon of inspiration.
“I am overwhelmed with pride and joy as I congratulate our female professional boxer, Monica Mnkandla, on her outstanding achievement. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, perseverance and dedication. It’s a proud moment, not just for her or Matabeleland South, but for our entire region.
“Her journey is truly inspirational, showing girls everywhere that with determination and hard work, they can overcome any obstacle and reach new heights. She’s breaking barriers and inspiring girls to pursue their dreams in sports. Let’s recognise her achievements and celebrate her success as a province, empowering the next generation of female boxers to follow in her footsteps. For Monica to be recognised in the entire continent shows what a jewel we have as Matabeleland South,” he said.
Nkomo added that by excelling in a sport long dominated by men, Mnkandla has shattered stereotypes and lifted the hopes of young women across Zimbabwe. — @DubeMatutu
