The family of late boxing champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete has expressed its gratitude for the outpouring of support and the special provincial funeral held in his honour as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the former two-time world champion.
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Zolani was laid to rest at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, 29 August 2026, in a Special Provincial Category 2 funeral. The honour recognised his achievements in boxing and his impact on the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
The funeral came just over a week after Zolani, 38, was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane on 21 August 2026. His death sent shockwaves through the boxing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes, fans and members of the community.
Family grateful for special send-off
Ahead of the funeral, Zolani’s family said they could not have imagined a more fitting farewell for the boxing champion than the honour bestowed on him by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The special provincial funeral was approved after the Eastern Cape government requested that Zolani be accorded the honour in recognition of his contribution to sport and his achievements in professional boxing.
Hundreds of mourners, including members of the boxing fraternity, gathered at the stadium to celebrate Zolani’s life and legacy.
His children delivered an emotional tribute, remembering him not only as a world champion but as a devoted father who worked hard to provide for his family.
His son, Emihle, described his father as always present for his children and supported them on important occasions. He thanked Zolani for being their father, teacher, protector and friend, while expressing pride in carrying his name, SABC News reports.
Also see: From an 11-second KO to World Titles: 5 Fights that defined Zolani Tete
Zolani Tete’s legacy lives on in boxing
While Zolani achieved international success inside the ring, those who knew him said his influence extended far beyond his championship titles.
The boxer inspired young athletes in the Eastern Cape and helped create opportunities for emerging fighters.
Mdantsane female boxer Sharadene Fortuin said Zolani had encouraged her to value boxing and also taught her important lessons about investing in the sport.
Boxing South Africa CEO Tsholofelo Lejaka also remembered Zolani as a disciplined and resilient athlete who continued planning for his future beyond his own boxing career.
Zolani had established Last Born Boxing Promotions, reflecting his ambition to remain involved in the sport after retiring from competitive boxing.
Calls to fight violent crime
The funeral also became an opportunity to reflect on the circumstances surrounding Zolani’s death and South Africa’s wider struggle with violent crime.
Eastern Cape Acting Premier Nonceba Kontsiwe called for the law to take its course and urged communities to confront violent crime and the proliferation and glorification of illegal firearms.
She said Zolani had spent his life competing in the boxing ring and should not have had his life taken through violence, reported the publication.
Four people have been arrested in connection with Zolani’s murder, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continue.
A final farewell to ‘Last Born’
Zolani’s funeral marked the end of an emotional farewell that saw the boxing community come together to honour one of South Africa’s accomplished fighters.
The former champion won world titles in two divisions and became known internationally for his achievements in the ring. Among his most notable accomplishments was his 11-second knockout victory over Siboniso Gonya in 2017, which remains one of the fastest knockouts in a world title fight.
For his family, however, Zolani’s greatest legacy was not simply his boxing record. He was a father, son, mentor and friend whose life touched people both inside and outside the ring.
As his children said during the emotional funeral service, they will continue to carry his name and remember him with pride.
Also see: Slain boxing champion Zolani Tete continues to receive tributes
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