Share

'People's champion' hailed

Johannesburg - The death of Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala signals the end of a golden era in boxing, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said at a memorial service in honour of the legendary boxer in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Monday.

"Boxing will never be the same again.

"Just like his idol and hero Nelson Mandela, such people come once in a lifetime," Mbalula said of the four-time world flyweight champion, who died in Johannesburg on Saturday, aged 51.

"He was not a mediocre sportsman. He served the nation with dignity and pride. He was also a good family man who ensured that every cent he got he invested in the education of his two boys."

Mbalula had some scathing words for unscrupulous boxing promoters.

"Many promoters are living a life of luxury and opulence at the expense of boxers. We are aware there are some crooks in boxing, but your days are numbered. We will find you and push you out."

Broadcasters too did not escape his wrath as he urged both SABC and SuperSport to stop paying peanuts to screen boxing.

"I don't want people to be exploited. Many of our boxers are dying poor. There is no former rugby player who is buried a pauper."

To Matlala's family though, he only had kind words to say and promised them a lasting legacy.

"Your beloved will not go unnoticed. We must recognise him, even if it means we must name a street or gym after him."

Mbalula recounted Matlala's last moments with his family.

"His beloved wife Mapule brought him the Friday newspaper in bed, and he looked at it quietly for a long time after reading about Madiba's death.

"Jake remarked that 'all the good people are dying because they have done their bit', and little did South Africans know he too would be bowing out in a matter of hours.

"He was a true people's champion. We talk about South Africa as a winning nation today because of people like Mandela and Matlala."

Family, friends and fans of Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE