There’s a very strong possibility that this year will come to an end without Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie delivering on the promises he made to boxing stakeholders almost nine months ago.
This became clear when Boxing South Africa (BSA) chief executive officer Tsholofelo Lejaka was speaking during an interview on Umhlobo Wenenefm sport show on Sunday afternoon.
Lejaka made it clear that the R10 000 and R2000 promised to boxers and ring officials respectively might only be fulfilled in the new year as McKenzie’s department is yet to deliver the money to the regulator.
“The government contribution we have not yet signed off on that. It is at an advanced stage, but National Treasury is asking questions,” Lejaka remarked.
“In as far as the department’s goodwill is concerned, budget must get signed off by the authorities. Remember, Boxing South Africa is a public entity, whatever money comes for us, National Treasury must also agree on that. We are hopeful going to the next year.”
McKenzie promised during a speech at Freedom Park, Pretoria, in March that boxers would receive R10 000 on top of their purses and ring officials’ R1000 fee they receive from promoters would be topped up by R2000 to make it R3000.
Unfortunately, McKenzie has so far failed to fulfil his promises opting to adopt a quiet approach while boxing stakeholders continue to ask questions.
