Mdantsane-born fight referee and judge Pumeza Zinakile has rolled up her sleeves and is ready to lend a helping hand to advance the development of boxing in Kwelera, East London.
As a token of appreciation to the community of Kwelera, where she grew up, Zinakile has sought boxing equipment, which she will deliver during a tournament she’s organising for next month.
“I was born in Mdantsane and spent time growing up in Kwelera. They asked me to help as they are grooming young kids to become boxers. I took time off and went to see what they are doing there. I saw the wonderful job they are doing,” Zinakile said.
After seeing what the Kwelera boxing enthusiasts are doing, Zinakile went out to seek some support for the fistic community.
“I went out and knocked at different doors. I was very fortunate to get some assistance. We are going to have a formal event on the 16th of June. We are going to have a tournament and also do a hand over of the equipment I received from sponsors,” she said.
Zinakile, who is former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight and junior-bantamweight champion Zolile ‘Bone Crusher’ Mbityi’s niece, said that family support is importance in boxing.
“My uncle Zolile was loved by many people. I have realised now that I’m old that as a family we never gave him full support. That’s when I saw the importance of being supported at home before getting support from outside,” she said.
As a community of Kwelerha we are so grateful and very proud of you Pumeza Zinakile you such a blessing to our community keep up the good work and may the Lord Almighty continue to strengthen & bless you abundantly
This is so wonderful i wish we can learn to give back to our communities. Thank u so much this means a lot.We must not forget our background. Proud of u Pumeza Zinakile 🤞🤞👏👏🙌🙌💃💃💃💖💖💖💖💖