'He united all races': Dingaan Thobela praised for role in unifying SA during difficult time

JOHANNESBURG -The friends and associates of Dingaan Thobela paid tribute to him for playing a unifying role during a precarious time in South Africa.

Thobela, who was known as the Rose of Soweto, won the first of his three world titles in April 1990, just two months after the release of Nelson Mandela.

His memorial service was held in Parktown in Johannesburg on Tuesday, where he was fondly remembered.

Childhood friend, David Jonas, spoke about the pride he had watching Thobela become the best in the world.

"That time, the country was in political turmoil and people were about to split. But when Dingaan won the fight as our first world champion, he united all races."

Long-time promoter, Rodney Berman, also praised him for using his prowess in the ring to bridge racial divides.

"I've understood in later years exactly what Dingaan meant, at the time of apartheid, to the black community. It’s not a colour question – Dingaan was an unbelievable fighter. Across the board, he was loved by everybody."