More than 400 boxing stakeholders are taking part in a "National Convention on Boxing in South Africa", held at St George Hotel in Rietvleidam, outside Pretoria, to discuss the future of the sport of boxing in South Africa.
Themed: "Towards a Knockout Tomorrow", the convention was opened by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile today, 23 April 2010. The convention ends tomorrow, 24 April.
In his opening address, Minister Stofile lamented the way Boxing South Africa (BSA) uses its funds, including "those they do not have". He urged BSA to strive towards financial independence from government and also show leadership in resolving conflicts within boxing instead of leaving this responsibility to the courts.
While following the legal framework, "BSA must also have the will and resolve, to lead".
Despite the overall poor state of boxing in South Africa, the minister praised the boxers for performing well especially internationally. He attributed this to good leadership within boxing stables.
Minister Stofile also called for synergy between amateur and professional boxing. He warned against the trend to rush amateur boxers to the professional level simply because of potential financial benefits. On the capacity of the boxing board, he urged the boxing sector to stop nominating board members on the basis of relations, thus leaving out people who could serve the interests of boxing better.
The minister further warned that it should not be automatic that boxers who achieved more as boxers will do the same as leaders of boxing structures.
Topics being discussed at the convention include the Mateza-Zifo report on the examination of boxing, medical and doping in boxing, sponsorship and marketing, regulatory frameworks (legislation and policies), the relationship between the South African Boxing Organisation (SANABO) and BSA, as well as corporate governance.
Enquiries: Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
23 April 2010
