Boxing South Africa appoints its first female service provider in Siya Vabaza-Booi

This position, not only in the Eastern Cape but in other provinces as well, has always been occupied by males. 

Phakamile Jacobs - a former international referee and judge - had been in charge of boxing in the Eastern Cape for over two decades.

Provincial managers, formerly known as service providers, are in charge of the administration of boxing in the provinces they serve.

They are on a three-year renewable contract and they report directly to the office of Boxing SA's director of operations. Provincial managers are paid a monthly salary.

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 Siya Vabaza-Booi is the most decorated ring official whose tireless commitment has earned multiple boxing awards. Born in Duncan Village near East London, Vabaza-Booi had been a ring official since 1994.

Vabaza-Booi studied sport and she has a diploma in marketing and administration from Walter Sisulu University.

Boxing SA's committee comprising administrators also appointed Lehlohonolo Ramagole to service Gauteng, Free State and  North West, Mlungisi Dube in KwaZulu Natal, Mzoli Tempi for both Western Cape and Northern Cape, Oupa Lubisi will be in charge of administration in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Ramagole and Lubisi are former professional boxers while Dube and Tempi served the sport as matchmakers and eventually promoted boxing matches. Dube used to train fighters as well.

By: Bongani Magasela