Fellow boxers, friends, family and supporters of three times World Champion Boxer Dingaan "The Rose of Soweto" Thobela came out it their numbers to bid farewell to a man they described as a gentleman with a gentle soul. Thobela's funeral service was held at the Dlamini Multipurpose Centre where all his 14 children, who were dressed in all black and had red roses in their pockets, were comforting each other. Thobela died last week Monday at the age of 57. He was laid to rest at the West Park Cemetery.

Dingaan Thobela Junior, a professional soccer player, gave tribute to his father on behalf of his siblings. He vowed that as a collective they will keep his name alive. "I pray that during this time, we find healing and strive to keep your name alive as the father that we all loved and looked up to. You were the Rose of Soweto but to us you were our father. We will always love and miss you," he said. 

A tribute letter from Thobela's parents was read out by one of his nieces and described the pain of having to bury their child. "Your death is so sudden and pains us because we thought you would be the one to bury us. Yes, we called you our child, but you were the child of the nation. You were the "Rose of Soweto" but to us you were our humble and ambitious boy. When we noticed your talent and decided to send you to Mr Hlabane for boxing training, we didn't think that you would become a world champion. As young as you were, you taught us a lot. You are the one who introduced us to the undertaking business and had the honour of working with you, we will miss you. Rest in power Modjaji, Thobela."

Thobela's sister, Agnes Thobela, described her brother as a loving and supportive brother who showed up for her even at the most random times. "I remember this one time I was due to perform at a concert and everyone at home knew of this, but I didn't think anyone would show up, especially Dingaan who was always busy. However, to my surprise while I was on stage miming face down, I looked up and saw my brother which made me so happy. So today I'm singing out loud as a tribute to him." Agnes urged Thobela's children to love each other and protect each other from any negativity. "I have eight other siblings, but we loved each other- never mind that we had different mothers. No one knew that because we were so united. I urge you my brother's children those we know and don't know to always show each other love and not let anything come between you. We come from a family of love, take that with you. Today is a reunion for all of us as we celebrate my brother's life," she said.