Boxing legend and hall of famer, Willie Toweel, was laid to rest on Saturday 6 January at Saint Charles Catholic Church in Linden.
According to his wife, Alida, the requiem mass was fit for a man of his world-class stature. The two-hour ceremony was conducted by eight priests and deacons from parishes across the country who all personally knew and loved Willie.
He died peacefully on Christmas Day at his Randburg home surrounded by his wife, all his children and grandchildren.
Alida said, “Although Willie stopped professional fighting in the 1960s he gave his life to building people into champions and breaking apartheid and prejudices in sport.” Willie and his brothers pioneered the first multi-racial boxing tournament in South Africa, going against apartheid laws.
Daughter, Samantha said, “I have always seen my father as an incredible changemaker, and he has always been my inspiration.”
Over 800 people attended the funeral, with some flying in from as far as Australia.
Boxer Piet Crous, who Toweel trained and managed to become South Africa’s third World Champion; Archie Nyingwa of Boxing South Africa, as well as fellow hall of fame recipient, Brian Mitchell, were in attendance.
Nyingwa said, “Willie taught me so much about boxing but he also taught me not to get bitter and resentful about the politics… No matter what people did to Willie, unjustly, he would wish them well and keep building.
“He served God and by so doing changed the world.”
A beautiful tribute was given by Willie’s grandson, Tyedon who said, “Grandad, you lived by your father’s favourite bible verse, ‘What profits it a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul’.
“You have dented the universe, I will take the baton and I will run hard with it.”
Alida summed up the proceedings and said, “Thank you Willie for all you have given our world… The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you. Rest in peace.”
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