Boxing South Africa should have a new board by January, according to the sports ministry.

The current board - appointed by Fikile Mbalula in 2014 - was supposed to be out of office in May but newly appointed Sport Minister Thulas Nxesi extended its term to the end of this month.

Mickey Modisane of the sports ministry said the boxing fraternity must not panic.

"The minister invited all recognised national sport organisations and other interested parties to nominate members to the board of Boxing SA for the period of three years," said Modisane yesterday.

An association for boxers, managers, trainers, promoters and officials or a federation of such associations is also entitled to nominate a person to be considered for appointment by Nxesi. But the final appointment of the board members rests with Nxesi, and the nomination of a person does not automatically mean they will be appointed.

"I can tell you that adverts were sent out and that the process of people applying closed last week," said Modisane.

"We have already shortlisted and I can safely tell the boxing fraternity that the appointment of the new board of Boxing SA will be made in January."

The current board comprises chairwoman Muditambi Ravele, Peter Ngatane, Khulile Radu, Luthando Jack, Mzamo Gumbi, Zoyisile Gcilitshana and Matilda Kabini.

Ravele and company have had some serious challenges since they took over the reins of Boxing SA in 2014 but during their reign they managed to restore the dignity of professional boxing in the country through running an efficient administration.