Linda Ximba
A group of boxing licensees, including promoters, trainers and managers, have written an incendiary letter concerning the Boxing South Africa CEO, Cindy Nkomo.
The boxing fraternity are preparing to send their memorandum of understanding, which Scrolla.Africa has seen, to the Minister of Sport, Nathi Mthethwa.
The licensees have listed allegations against Nkomo and ordered Mthethwa to act on the matters swiftly.
They demand the immediate suspension of Nkomo for violation of Covid-19 regulations by not wearing a mask at a boxing tournament that took place in Cape Town on 11 December.
“Boxing South Africa must be run by people who know the history of boxing and understand how to attract sponsors for the overall development of boxing in South Africa,” says the letter in part.
“People with proven track records must take boxing to the highest level possible.”
The licensees want boxing to be autonomous and independent from the government, as it will then have a greater appeal to sponsors.
They also demand an investigation into the boxers’ benevolent investment fund.
“Financial Statements must be provided and how the money has been invested,” said the letter.
“Many boxers have died as paupers while there is a benevolent fund.”
Further demands include:
- An investigation into allegations of victimisation of promoters by Andre Thyse and Lebo Mahoko.
- A request for 250 spectators to be allowed to attend boxing tournaments, which is similar to the numbers permitted at churches.
- A review of the sponsorship and television broadcast income demanded by BSA.
- They need answers about relief money meant for boxers, trainers and managers which hasn’t been received since lockdown level 5.
Nkomo, who was appointed in 2020 as CEO, having previously served as Director of Operations, said: “I have no knowledge of the document.”
Picture source: @BoxingSouthAfrica
