'Respect the anthem'

24 July 2019 - 10:44
By Bongani Magasela
Referee Simon Mokadi stands at attention during the singing of the national anthems of South Africa and Namibia before the start of the bout between Akani Phuzi and  Willberforce Shihepo  for the WBA Pan African Cruiswerweight titile at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.
Image: Masi Losi Simon Mokadi Referee Simon Mokadi stands at attention during the singing of the national anthems of South Africa and Namibia before the start of the bout between Akani Phuzi and Willberforce Shihepo for the WBA Pan African Cruiswerweight titile at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

Boxing SA has done wonders in many aspects of education, including anti-doping, especially after a number of domestic champions failed drug tests.

But the governing body has not even tried to educate the boxing fraternity on the importance and protocol of the national anthem.

Some boxers, trainers, managers and fans jump up and down, walk around, talk to each other and most recently take selfies while the national anthem is being sung.

All should stand to attention with their hands placed at their sides while singing the anthem. Protocol dictates that the president is the only one allowed to place his or her palm of the hand on the heart. Civilians should take hats off as a sign of respect.

Boxing SA CEO Tsholofelo Lejaka has had to warn people in tournaments to stop moving around during the singing of the national anthem.

"Generally I am not happy. There is work from our side we need to do," he said. "Clearly very few of our people understand the importance and protocol of the singing of the national anthem."

Lejaka said his advantage is that he went through a military cadet camp - training for young boys in matric - in the old Bophuthatswana.

"It was a partnership between the army and the national department of education in the homelands. You will enjoy looking at rugby players in the field during the singing of the national anthem. It fortifies their bond in making them want to get a result for their country. We lack that in boxing."


Listen to the latest episode of the SportsLIVE PODCAST

#BaxterIN, Frans Steyn & Mpho Mbiyozo

For more episodes, click here.

Subscribe: iono.fm | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Player.fm | Pocket Cast