The life of East London boxing trainer Luvuyo Tyamzashe will never be the same as it has been made a little bit easier after Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie presented him with a motorised wheelchair during a dinner held in Freedom Park, Pretoria, on Monday evening.
McKenzie acted after Mshu One Management boss Andile Mshumpela reached out to him, asking for a motorised wheelchair for Tyamzashe, who continues to train boxers at Luvuyo Boxing Club in Mdantsane.
Tyamzashe was unfortunately confined to a wheelchair following a permanent injury he suffered after his fight against Clay Gubevu in Mdantsane in June 1985.
“I’m very much grateful to the Minister for this wheelchair. It’s going to help me. I will be able to wheel myself to the gym without being assisted by anyone. It will help me even when I want to go buy some stuff at the mall,” a happy Tyamzashe said.
Not only did McKenzie present the 62-year-old Tyamzashe with the wheelchair, he also gave him R100 000.
“I was in East London, then a gentleman came to me and asked for a motorised wheelchair for Luvuyo, who got injured in the ring. He’s been using a very struggling old wheelchair and was struggling to get around. Luvuyo, I want to give you the wheelchair. Luvuyo, I want to give you R100 000 from the Department of Sport. You didn’t walk away from the sport of boxing after you got injured,” McKenzie said.
As a gesture of goodwill, McKenzie also gave Mshumpela, who manages the Luvuyo Boxing Club, R20 000.
“I just want to thank you, you are a true friend. From myself and the deparment, for your friendship, we would like to give you R20 000,” McKenzie remarked.
An emotional Mshumpela said: “I’m happy and excited that the Minister has fulfilled his promise of acquiring this motorised wheelchair that’s going to assist bhut’ Luvuyo. Remember, he used to balance on the ropes when he’s in the corner. This wheelchair is going to help him stand up after having pressed a button.
“He will no longer be late for training. His privacy is now guaranteed. There’s no more need for him to disclose his whereabouts. Over and above the wheelchair, the Minister gave him an amount of R100 000 because he got injured in the ring.”
Mshumpela added: “I was humbled by the Minister, I was also emotional when he reflected on my kindness towards bhut’ Luvuyo and he decided to give me R20 000. I was very emotional because I don’t expect any payment when I do things, but he decided to give me that amount. I wish President Ramaphosa can keep the Minister in that portfolio because he’s playing a very important role in assist former and current boxers.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
Minister is doing wonders he is an Angel sent by God to save our Boxing in South Africa, God Bless you Minister Mckenzie i am running of words to thank you ..Dankie ,enkosi siyabulela..
Mckenzie walks the talk.
Me hope his cabinet colleagues will learn a thing or two from him.