Dear Honourable Minister,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Western Cape Boxing Championship held in Mossel Bay on the 3rd and 4th of May 2025, which was marked by serious organizational shortcomings that compromised the safety, performance, and dignity of the athletes involved.

Most notably, the event began nearly four hours behind schedule, causing significant inconvenience to athletes, coaches, and spectators — many of whom had travelled long distances to be part of this important event. This lack of time management was not only unprofessional but also disrespectful to everyone who had committed their time and resources to attend.
In addition, I feel it is critical to bring to your attention the absence of paramedics or any qualified medical personnel on site. This created an unacceptable and dangerous situation, particularly as several injuries occurred during the matches, including cuts and possible concussions. The lack of immediate medical attention placed the health and safety of the boxers at serious risk and raises serious questions about the preparedness and compliance of the event organizers with basic safety standards.
Furthermore, the extended delays resulted in many boxers being forced to compete 10 to 11 hours after their scheduled times. This led to unnecessary exhaustion, restlessness, and a decline in performance — all of which are detrimental not only to the athletes’ wellbeing but also to the spirit of fair competition.
Events like these are vital for the growth of boxing in South Africa and should be conducted in a way that reflects the values of professionalism, safety, and excellence. I respectfully urge your office to investigate this matter and consider implementing stronger oversight and accountability for event organizers, to ensure that future championships meet acceptable standards in both logistics and athlete welfare.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of the development of sport in our country. I trust that these concerns will be taken seriously and that steps will be taken to protect and uplift our athletes and sporting communities.

Yours sincerely,
Branton Charles Booysen
Owner of B Boxing Fitness Studio and Professional Boxer of South Africa