Boxing dealt another blow after former Boxing SA CEO's passing

25 April 2017 - 14:36 By Bongani Magasela
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Former Boxing SA chief executive Bongani Khumalo.
Former Boxing SA chief executive Bongani Khumalo.
Image: Vathiswa Ruselo

Boxing SA chairperson Muditambi Ravele was at a loss for words after the passing of former chief executive Bongani Khumalo a few days ago.

Khumalo‚ who was based in Roodepoort in the West Rand‚ died last Wednesday after complaining of chest pains but news of his passing was only learnt this week.

In a double blow to the family‚ his 56-year-old wife Maria died 48 hours after his passing.

The Free State-born Khumalo's death has shaken the boxing fraternity as the community is still reeling following the death of former trainer Nick Durandt after he collided with a vehicle while riding his motorcycle in the rural Free State on Friday.

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"We are still shocked by the death of trainer Nick Durandt‚" a shaken Ravele said.

"Now it is Bongani………..

"I don't really know what to say.

"Clearly this past weekend was not a good one for us‚ the boxing people.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the family."

The former BSA CEO's younger brother Bafana Khumalo said the 58-year-old Khumalo died at Krugersdorp Hospital.

"He complained of chest pains on Wednesday and he said he was also struggling to breath‚" the younger Khumalo told Times Media Digital on Tuesday.

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"He was rushed to Krugersdorp Hospital in the morning.

"He was admitted into hospital and passed on the same day in the afternoon."

Khumalo spent the better part of his life on a wheelchair but suddenly stood up one day and started walking.

There had been a three-year void at Boxing SA when Khumalo took over as CEO in 2007 as his predecessor Thabo Moseki resigned three years earlier.

But like Moseki‚ Khumalo never finished his term in office.

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He cited irreconcilable differences with some of BSA's board members.

His wife Maria had been ill for some time and it seems she had a difficult time dealing with his death.

"She had been unwell for quite some time‚ " the younger Khumalo said.

Bafana said Khumalo will be buried next to his wife in a double funeral on Thursday.

Khumalo and his wife are survived by two children‚ a 34 year old daughter and a 24 years old son.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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