Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has pledged R100 000 to the father of late boxing champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete as he paid tribute to the former world champion at his memorial service in the Eastern Cape.
Also see: Gayton McKenzie promises Bafana Bafana financial incentives after historic win
Gayton made the announcement on Wednesday during Zolani’s memorial service at the historic Orient Theatre in KuGompo City, where family members, boxing personalities, political leaders and community members gathered to remember the slain boxer, Algoa FM reports.
Gayton announces R100 000 award
During his address, Gayton announced that Zolani would receive a posthumous award at the next Legends Awards in Sun City, with the R100 000 prize to be handed to his father, Zolile Tete.
“Last Born will get an award with R100 000, and we will give it to the father. This is our contribution to what he has done,” Gayton said.
The minister described Zolani as an exceptional boxer whose contribution to South African sport went beyond his achievements inside the ring.
Zolani was a two-weight world champion, having won the IBF junior-bantamweight title in 2014 before becoming WBO bantamweight champion in 2017. He became internationally known after knocking out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast in 2017.
Also see: From an 11-second KO to World Titles: 5 Fights that defined Zolani Tete
Zolani Tete’s legacy honoured
Gayton used the memorial to outline plans to honour Zolani’s legacy while also addressing the broader challenges facing boxing in South Africa.
He announced that the annual Steve Tshwete Boxing Tournament would return in December, with R10 million allocated to the event. He also said professional boxers should not earn less than R20 000 per fight and promised additional government support for Boxing South Africa.
The minister also announced plans to continue the renovation of the Orient Theatre, a venue closely associated with Zolani’s career. Phase two of the refurbishment is expected to begin in October, with R1 million already set aside for the project.
Zolani Tete’s death
Zolani, 38, was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane on 21 August 2026.
According to reports, he was sitting in his vehicle waiting for his residential gate to open when two masked gunmen approached and opened fire. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also shot and wounded. Four suspects have since been arrested in connection with the murder and attempted murder.
His death sent shockwaves through the boxing community, particularly in Mdantsane, which has a long history of producing prominent fighters.
Final farewell
Zolani’s memorial service came ahead of his funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.
As South Africa continues to mourn the former champion, Gayton’s pledge is among several commitments aimed at preserving Tete’s legacy and supporting the boxing community he represented.
Also see: Slain boxing champion Zolani Tete continues to receive tributes
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