Zolani Tete: Gayton McKenzie Set to Honour Late South African Boxing Star With Financial Pledge

• Minister Gayton McKenzie announced a posthumous legends award for slain boxing champion Zolani Tete at his memorial service
• McKenzie confirmed the R100 000 prize will be presented to Tete's father at the next SA Sports Awards in Sun City
• The minister also revealed a new law that will allow retired boxers of any age to return to the ring before the end of 2025

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie used the memorial service of slain boxing champion Zolani "Last Born" Tete to announce a posthumous legends award in his honour, carrying a cash prize of R100 000.

McKenzie addressed mourners at the Orient Theatre in KuGompo City on Monday, days after Tete was shot dead outside his home in what is believed to have been a targeted killing. The gathering included the Tete family, fellow boxers, trainers, promoters and government officials.

**McKenzie Pledges R100 000 to Tete's Father**

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Speaking directly to Tete's father, McKenzie confirmed that the former two-time world champion, who held both the WBO junior bantamweight and IBF bantamweight titles during his career, would be recognised at the next SA Sports Awards in Sun City.

"The next legends that will be honoured in Sun City, Last Born will get an award," McKenzie said. "He will get R100 000 with you as the father, that is our contribution for what you've done."

McKenzie also directed Boxing South Africa (BSA) to contribute to the family's support. "To the CEO of Boxing South Africa, I don't want the CEO of Boxing South Africa to say no, we are giving you R100 000, that's not you, it is me. You must do something for Last Born. You must do something for the family."

Tete's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

**Age Restriction Rule for Boxers to Be Scrapped**

McKenzie also addressed a BSA safety policy that had blocked Tete from obtaining a new licence to fight, due to him being over 35 years old and having been inactive for more than a year following a four-year ban. Tete had been expected to make his comeback in November this year.

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The minister announced that legislation to remove the age restriction would be in place before the end of 2025. "I couldn't believe it when I was told that in South Africa boxers must retire at a certain age even if you feel you can still fight. Boxers like Mayweather made a comeback," McKenzie said. "We've put in a law, before the end of this year, any boxer that feels he wants to make a comeback to the ring, he will be allowed to make a comeback."

McKenzie also confirmed that the long-awaited Steve Tshwete boxing tournament would launch in December, with his department committing R10 million to the project.

Source: Briefly News