The MUT Deputy Director in the Sports Department, Siyabulela Mkwalo, has been elected Vice-President of the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC). Mkwalo was nominated during the Confederation’s meeting on 18 January 2025. This was a meeting of the Board of Directors that convened to discuss ‘critical matters’; with the filling of the vacant Vice-President post as one of such matters. Mkwalo replaces General Luyoyo Ferdinand.
The responsibilities of the Vice-President of AFBC are assisting the president of AFBC and the Board of Directors in managing the Confederation and supporting its goals which includes building unity and boxing development in Africa. The Vice-President also must ensure that the boxers are respected and that they benefit from their efforts in the ring. Mkwalo’s appointment is expected to strengthen AFBC’s leadership and reinforce its mission to promote the sport of boxing across the African continent.
The Board of Directors was motivated by Mkwalo’s commitment to Boxing. He brings an extensive background in Boxing and sports administration. This makes Mkwalo an ideal candidate for this position. Mkwalo holds a Master of Sport Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his research focused on the role of government in the provision and delivery of sports. His other academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Sport Science, and numerous certifications in leadership, conflict management, and strategic planning.
Having more than 20 years of experience in the sports sector, Mkwalo has held prominent roles, including his current position as the President of the South African National Boxing Organisation. Mkwalo has served as a team manager for the South African national boxing team during international competitions, including the World Youth Championships in Bulgaria. He has played a pivotal role in developing boxing structures across South Africa, introducing women into the sport, and decentralising boxing into 11 districts in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkwalo said he has “warmly accepted the responsibility on behalf of my beloved country; it will benefit South Africa in so many ways”. He said the appointment places South Africa in a strategic position to influence the future direction of the continent. He continued: “This is going to afford us an opportunity learn and understand good governance, as well as varied strategies that are employed by different countries in preparing their national teams. The performance of our boxing team during the recent national competition is a testimony of the positive spin-offs from the exposure we gain in participating in these leadership portfolios.” Mkwalo added that the quality services that MUT Sport delivers to the students was informed by the wealth of knowledge and massive experience that “we accumulated from serving in the national and international exposure”.
According to the AFBC Board of Directors, Mkwalo has demonstrated his commitment to the growth and governance of Boxing in Africa. The organisation said Mkwalo’s leadership, strategic planning skills, and passion for the sport have earned him respect within the boxing community.