The newly formed Boxing SA Women In Boxing committee has promised to increase boxers’ activity throughout the year and not just during August.
Chaired by board member Rina Subotsky, the committee met at the weekend to map the way forward for women’s boxing, which is historically marginalised with scores of boxers blighted by inactivity and unequal treatment compared with their male counterparts.
There are concerns that women’s boxing gets attention only during August as part of the activities celebrating Women’s Month.
Many say this is not enough to cater for all the boxers.
While BSA has made strides in improving the situation by roping in provincial governments to financially support them in their own areas, the R300,000 budget is considered a drop in the ocean in attempting to do justice to women in the sport.
The Eastern Cape is set to announce the winning promoter for its funding this week after closing applications a fortnight ago.
Subotsky, who is one of the board members appointed by sports minister Gayton McKenzie, promised to give women’s boxing a facelift.
She said the committee would act as the mouthpiece for all women boxers to voice their concerns and aspirations, even though some were documented.
While the pool in women’s boxing is decreasing, with many opting out due to frustration, Subotsky said empowerment and development programmes needed to be put in place to remedy the situation.
“We will work hard to bring boxing back to schools,” she said.
“We would like to see boxing as a catalyst for talent for every girl child.”
BSA is encouraging all promoters to feature women’s bouts in their tournaments, with some gradually heeding the call.
Promoters such as Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves Promotions and Xaba Promotions under Ayanda Matiti are now featuring women’s bouts in their shows, with Berman’s Saturday event at Emperors Palace involving four fights for women.
Matiti’s tournament at the Orient Theatre in June also saw Thobela Nyanda successfully defending her SA mini-flyweight title against Yonelisa Poni.
BSA chief operations officer Mandla Ntlanganiso appealed to promoters to augment provincial government funding with partnership from the private sector.
Ntlanganiso said promoters to organise women’s tournaments had already been identified, with shows set to continue until February 2026, some entering into collaborating deals such as East London’s Zbashy and HoneyBee promotions.
Daily Dispatch
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