“I express my deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto,” Kodwa said in a statement.
Thobela, who got the nickname “The Rose of Soweto” after the township he grew up in, was among South Africa's most accomplished boxers.
“Dingaan, ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and souls of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional. […] Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world’s standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing [...] and inspired the nation, future boxers and champions,” the minister added.
Between 1990 and 2006, the athlete participated in professional competitions and won three world titles in two weight categories. Of the 56 fights he participated in, he earned a record 40 victories, and 26 of them were knockouts.