Question NW3016 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
28 September 2022 - NW3016
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). whether his department, in collaboration with the SA Police Service has conducted a full investigation into the events surrounding the death of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi after a boxing match in Durban on 5Jjune 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2). whether (a)the Boxing South Africa Board and/or (b) his department will introduce additional safety regulations for boxing in relation to the events surrounding the specified person’s death; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the board instructed the Medical Advisory Committee of Boxing South Africa (MABBSA) to conduct the full investigation in this matter. The investigation is led by Dr Selepe who is the Chairperson of Boxing South Africa Medical Advisory Committee.
The committee has released a draft report which is yet to be discussed with the family and then be shared with oversight committees. There is a current police inquest being led by the Greyville Police Station and that process is currently ongoing.
Boxing South Africa is the regulator of safety standards in boxing. As the Minister, I will await the current investigation and recommendations thereof. Thereafter, I will in consultation with BSA determine if there is a need to update the existing safety protocols. While the death of an athlete may suggest that there is such a need, the technicalities of the required changes will be advanced by Boxing South Africa.