Boxing legends honoured by Gayton McKenzie Boxing legends Israel Khonkhobe and Frank Khonkhobe from Galeshewe, were presented with awards at the Celebration of 30 Years of South African Democracy through Boxing event in Johannesburg by the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, and the MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Mangaliso Matika, in recognition of their contributions to South African boxing.
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Thirty of South Africa’s boxing champions were recently honored as icons of resilience, resistance, and national pride during a ministerial dinner in Pretoria, held as part of the Celebration of 30 Years of South African Democracy on March 31.
Among them were Galeshewe boxing legends Israel Khonkhobe, 76, and Frank Khonkhobe, 66, who received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, officially presented national championship title belts to a group of former South African champions who had successfully defended their titles five times in the men's division and three times in the women's division but had never been formally awarded their belts.
Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture spokesperson Conrad Fortune highlighted the remarkable careers of the Khonkhobe brothers, noting that their decades-long dedication to boxing earned them nationwide respect.
"Their dedication to the sport has paved the way for future generations of boxers, inspiring countless athletes from all corners of the country,” Fortune said.The event, which commemorated 30 years of South African democracy, highlighted the vital role that sport, especially boxing, has played in uniting the nation and shaping its social and cultural identity," he added.
Fortune also said that the Khonkhobe brothers’ achievements were a testament to the power of sport in promoting excellence, resilience, and community.
"The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and MEC for the department Mangaliso Matika, congratulates Israel and Frank Khonkhobe on their well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their ongoing contribution to the boxing community," Fortune stated.