The inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup’s opening ceremony in Durban was a spectacular event, attended by Ndileka Mandela, the First and Eldest Granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, and Evelyn, the Founder and CEO of the Thembekile Foundation.
The event was graced by the presence of Mayor Thomas Mxolisi Kaunda of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, along with the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Boxing Association, Mr. Chris Roberts OBE, and the President of SANABO. Participants from across the African continent, both male and female boxers, gathered in Durban to pay tribute to Madiba’s deep-rooted passion for the sport at this prestigious event.
In her opening remarks, Ndileka Mandela expressed her immense privilege in announcing the partnership with the International Boxing Association and SANABO, among other esteemed partners, to host the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup in Durban.
Mandela warmly welcomed participants from across the African continent, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the Mandela African Boxing Cup (MABC) as more than just a sporting event. She highlighted that it embodies the spirit of unity and social cohesion across Africa, with sport serving as a universal language that transcends barriers, brings together people from diverse backgrounds, and promotes both physical well-being and mental acuity.
During the apartheid era in South Africa, boxing emerged as a beacon of hope, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where Ndileka Mandela spent her formative years. It served as a platform for equality and empowerment, leveling the playing field for all.
“Let us stand united and pursue our collective dream of a unified Africa with unwavering determination,” Mandela urged. “Let not the passage of time deter us from achieving our aspirations.”
In closing, Ndileka Mandela shared a poignant quote from her grandfather: “Boxing is egalitarian. In the ring, rank, age, color, and wealth are irrelevant. When you are circling your opponent, probing his strengths and weaknesses, you are not thinking about color or social status.”
“Together, let us strive to make a meaningful difference. I wish all the participants the very best. Long live Africa,” concluded Ndileka Mandela.
Other notable speakers included SANABO President Mr. Siyabulela Mkwalo, SASCOC President Mr. Barry Hendricks, President of the African Boxing Confederation Mr. Eyassu Wossen Berhanu, and the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Boxing Association, Mr. Chris Roberts OBE, who announced that the IBA prize money fund for the event was $500,000 USD. Several renowned boxers participated in the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup.
The prestigious Boxing Cup featured male and female boxers from various regions across the African continent, promoting unity and social cohesion. Participating countries included:
– Algeria
– Angola
– Botswana
– Burundi
– Cameroon
– Cape Verde
– Congo
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Egypt
– Ethiopia
– Gabon
– Kenya
– Lesotho
– Mauritius
– Morocco
– Mozambique
– Namibia
– South Africa
– Tanzania
– Tunisia
– Uganda
– Zambia
– Zimbabwe
Guests were treated to amazing performances of traditional dance, and the Mandela African Boxing Cup was officially declared open.
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#ThembekileMandelaFoundation
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#AfricaUnite
