By Monwabisi Jimlongo
The achievements of the late boxing trainer and promoter Mzimasi ‘Bro Mzi’ Mnguni speak for themselves, therefore he deserves an official funeral.
This is the view of Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Fezeka Nkomonye.
Mnguni, who battled ill-health since he suffered a stroke in 2014, passed away early on Saturday morning. He was 73.
“It’s important as the Home of Legends that one who deserves an official funeral is exactly someone like Bro Mzi. He put our province, Eastern Cape, on the world map. He produced more than 10 champions,” Nkomonye said.
“He was not just a legend. He made sure that we are known throughout the world. The process is that the Premier is going to write a letter to the office of the President asking for a person like Bro Mzi to be honoured with an official funeral.”
Nkomonye stressed that they might not get a quick response from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“It depends because the President has a lot on his plate. But in many instances we get a response maybe on a Thursday for a Saturday funeral,” Nkomonye said.
“We would like to thank the Mnguni family for giving us Bro Mzi. He contributed immensely in making sure that the Eastern Cape is known in the boxing world. He really was the greatest.”
