Parliament, Thursday, 13 January 2023 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Beauty Dlulane, has noted with sadness the passing of Mr Gerrie Coetzee.
The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the Coetzee family and the entire boxing fraternity.
Ms Dlulane said: “The passing of this giant, one of the few genuine heavyweight boxers to have come from our country, leaves a gaping hole. During his time on the ring he built memories. “
Ms Dlulane said it was a volatile time politically in South Africa during his peak, but the “Boksburg Bomber” was able to transcend race and politics and endear himself to many South Africans black and white. “For us, all that is left is to say thank you Gerrie Coetzee, thank you for the memories.
Coetzee succumbed to cancer on Thursday, aged 67. Included among the famous heavyweights he’s gone toe to toe in his 40-fights career are American Leon Spinks, Greg Page and his homeboy Mike Schutte. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SPORTS, ARTS AN CULTURE, MS BEAUTY DLULANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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