WORLD champion boxer and businessman Dingaan Thobela was laid to rest at Heroes Arch, West Park Cemetery on Thursday, 9 May.
It was an emotional and touching funeral service as those who grew up with him remembered him as a true gentleman during the ceremony held at Dlamini Multipurpose Centre in Soweto.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Ntombi Thobela reading obituary of her late dad Dingaan Thobela.#DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/TUk1mR7FaO
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
The ceremony saw attendance from notable musicians the likes of Mercy Phakela, Winnie, and Relebogile Khumalo, among others.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Ntombi Thobela reading obituary of her late dad Dingaan Thobela.#DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/TUk1mR7FaO
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
Thobela was honoured with a state funeral, leaving behind a legacy that includes his parents, nine siblings, 14 children, and nine grandchildren.
Bongane Thobela, his brother, reminisced about Dingaan's kind-hearted nature.
@dailysunsa WATCH: The late Dingaan Thobela's children saying goodbye to their dad.#DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/2csGLAtAUU
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
"I'm grateful for the wonderful times we shared. He was a peaceful man, and today, we let him rest without any disputes," he said.
ALSO READ: Makhi 'sold' girl to zama zamas!
Ntombi Thobela, his daughter praised her dad's generosity and care.
@dailysunsa WATCH: The late Dingaan Thobela's children saying goodbye to their dad.#DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/2csGLAtAUU
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
"Rest in peace, dad. You were an incredible soul who always looked after us," she said.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Legendary boxer Dingaan Thobela gets a state funeral. #DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/Ix81cOLZ5g
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
Norman Hlabane, Dingaan's personal trainer shared his shock upon hearing the news of his passing.
"One of the people I work with called me. He asked me if I have heard news about Dingaan Thobela's passing," he said.
@dailysunWATCH: The late boxer Dingaan Thobela's body carried by his friends and family. #DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/svEQnZWkCb
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
"I was devastated. I had looked forward to future collaborations. His death has deeply affected me."
Agnes Thobela, his sister, highlighted Dingaan's unwavering support.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Ntombi Thobela reading obituary of her late dad Dingaan Thobela.#DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/TUk1mR7FaO
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
She recalled a memorable moment when he attended her school performance despite his busy training schedule.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Legendary boxer Dingaan Thobela gets a state funeral. #DingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/Ix81cOLZ5g
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) May 9, 2024
"Seeing him there, supporting me, is a memory I'll forever cherish," she reflected.