The boxing community and wider sporting fraternity in the Eastern Cape gathered on Wednesday at the Orient Theatre to bid farewell to former three-time world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete. The memorial transformed the historic venue into a ring-like setting, recognising the hall’s long association with Tete’s career.
From the ring to the theatre — venue laden with history
The Orient Theatre in East KuGompo City hosted a memorial that drew political leaders, community members, aspiring fighters and members of the boxing fraternity. Organisers deliberately fashioned the stage to resemble a boxing arena in tribute to Tete, who fought there repeatedly during his rise through the ranks.
Officials noted that Tete appeared at the venue on multiple occasions, a record that helped cement his local legend. According to the memorial’s programme, he had fought 13 times at the Orient Theatre, winning 12 of those bouts and drawing once; his first fight at the venue dated to 2006.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Fights at Orient Theatre | 13 |
| Wins at Orient Theatre | 12 |
| Draws at Orient Theatre | 1 |
Community, mentors and leaders reflect on a wider legacy
Speakers at the memorial highlighted Tete’s achievements in the professional ring and his role as a mentor who lived much of his life committed to developing young fighters. They described his impact as extending beyond personal accolades to influence the province’s sporting pathways.
“His contribution went beyond his own achievements, particularly during the four-year period in which he was banned from boxing,”
Sibulele Ngongo, the Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, reminded those present of the provincial recognition Tete received in life, including being named Eastern Cape Sports Star of the Year in 2014 and receiving a Sportsman of the Year honour and a special MEC award in 2022.
Ngongo told the memorial that Tete remained focused on helping younger fighters even during the period when he was not active in competition, and said his death had left a significant void in the province’s sporting community.
National commitment, family support and the criminal investigation
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also addressed the memorial and announced a financial gesture for Tete’s family. McKenzie committed R100 000 to Tete’s father, Zolile, as part of a small number of measures pledged in honour of the late boxer.
The memorial took place after a violent end to Tete’s life. He was shot outside his home on a Friday evening. The shooting prompted a police response that led to the arrest of four suspects within two days, according to reports.
- Tete’s memorial was held at the Orient Theatre, a venue closely linked to his career.
- Four suspects were arrested within 48 hours of his killing.
- Political and sporting leaders pledged support for his family and legacy.
The presence of both provincial and national figures underscored the scale of Tete’s local and national profile. Organisers and speakers at the service framed the ceremony as a moment to recognise not only sporting triumphs but also the role Tete played in mentoring and sustaining boxing within the Eastern Cape.
For many in the audience the memorial was also a practical reminder of the work needed to protect sportspeople and community leaders. The quick arrests were welcomed by family members and supporters, though the course of the criminal process will be followed in the courts.
As the province reflects on Tete’s legacy, the commitments from government and the tributes from the boxing community aim to ensure his work with young fighters continues to shape Eastern Cape sport.
