Even though no one has admitted, alleged threats on her life are believed to behind Siya Vabaza-Booi’s resignation as Boxing South Africa (BSA) provincial manager in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday afternoon just less than two years since her appointment.
Vabaza-Booi had been in charge as BSA provincial manager since her appointment in June 2024. And there were boxing stakeholders who were totally against the idea of her being the first female BSA provincial manager.
“Boxing South Africa (BSA) hereby informs the boxing sector and the public of the immediate resignation of the Eastern Cape provincial manager, Ms Siya Vabaza Booi. Ms Vabaza-Booi submitted her resignation which she humbly requested that it takes effect as of immediate due to what she cited as personal reasons,” a BSA statement said.
“Admittedly, it has not been an easy decision to accept this resignation which came just shy of two years since Ms Vabaza commenced her responsibilities as the provincial manager in the Eastern Cape province. Ms Booi made history as the first female provincial manager appointed by BSA. Be that as it may, Boxing South is grateful for the sterling work which Ms Vabaza did within the limited time that she spent at the helm of professional boxing in the Eastern Cape
“Once more, we thank Ms Vabaza Booi for the work she did as the first ever female provincial manager of the Eastern Cape province. We wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Vabaza-Booi said on Wednesday: “I have resigned from Boxing South Africa with immediate effect.”
Vabaza-Booi’s resignation has long been coming and Ink Sport was informed in December last year that there was an alleged plot to have the former ring official eliminated.
Meanwhile, Vabaza-Booi’s predecessor Phakamile Jacobs is back in the hot seat as interim Eastern Cape manager after BSA appointed him with immediate effect.
“To ensure continuity and stability during this transition, BSA has appointed Mr Phakamile Jacobs, the erstwhile provincial manager, to assume the role of acting provincial manager in the Eastern Cape province until a substantive appointment has been made. The Eastern Cape has a significant volume of boxing activity, and Mr Jacobs’ prior experience will allow for a seamless transition while the organisation conducts a search for a suitable permanent candidate for this critical position,” the BSA statement further said. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
