The funeral for Zolani Tete, a former two-time boxing world champion, will take place Saturday, 29 August, at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, following his memorial service held on Wednesday at the Orient Theatre in KuGompo City.
The memorial service for Tete drew attendees from various sectors, including the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie. Local community members and fellow boxers brought their championship belts to pay tribute to Tete’s enduring legacy.
Tete was tragically shot and killed outside his residence in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on 21 August. This devastating news reverberated not only throughout South Africa but also across the global boxing community. Notable figures such as former South African World Champion Vuyani Bungu and boxing icon Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula, also a former world champion, were present at Tete’s memorial service to commemorate his legacy.
In addition, former British world champion Paul Butler expressed his condolences following the tragic news of Tete’s death, recalling him as a “top man”. On his Instagram account, Butler shared a photograph of himself with Tete and included a heartfelt caption: “RIP champ! Sad to hear the news on Zolani. He may have handed me my first loss, but he was a top man, we spoke a lot after sharing the ring. Rest easy,” he concluded.
Tete will be interred in his final resting place on Saturday, and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality extends a warm welcome and expresses its deep gratitude for the decision made by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant the late former world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
This announcement was made on Thursday evening, acknowledging the significant impact that Zolani Tete had on South African sports, the Eastern Cape, and, most importantly, the residents of Buffalo City.
His passing at the age of 38 has created a profound sense of loss within our communities and across the sporting world.
Tete has been characterised as more than just a world champion. “He was a proud son of Buffalo City, an inspiration to the youth, and a formidable ambassador for our city and province on the global stage,” stated the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in a public announcement.
Through his discipline, determination, and remarkable accomplishments in the boxing arena, he illustrated that talent, dedication, and perseverance can triumph over even the most challenging situations. His premature death has deprived the nation of an extraordinary athlete at an unacceptably young age.
Thus, it is appropriate for the nation to commemorate his life, his accomplishments, and his contributions to South Africa in a manner that reflects the dignity of a world champion.
The Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Princess Faku, extends her sincere gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for this significant gesture of recognition and respect.
Executive Mayor Faku expresses her gratitude to the Honourable Oscar Mabuyane, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, for his leadership and assistance in honouring the life and legacy of this esteemed son of the Eastern Cape with the respect it merits.
“We welcome this decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa with deep gratitude. Zolani Tete carried the name of Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape with pride wherever he went.
“His death has left a painful void in our city and in our country. The Special Provincial Official Funeral will provide an opportunity for our nation to come together and honour a remarkable son of Buffalo City whose contribution to sport and society will never be forgotten.
“We thank President Ramaphosa and Premier Mabuyane for recognising the significance of Zolani Tete’s life and for ensuring that his final journey is marked with the dignity and honour befitting a world champion.”
NOTE: A unique provincial funeral is arranged and endorsed by the State for notable individuals who have made a substantial impact. On the day of the funeral, flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the Eastern Cape. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality pays its respects to Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
