From Shack to Champion

Siyakholwa Kuse’s WBC Triumph

Siyakholwa Kuse’s rise from drug addiction and poverty to becoming South Africa’s fourth WBC world champion is a tale of grit, redemption, and community pride. His victory not only cements his place among boxing’s elite but also highlights the harsh realities of life in Ngidi informal settlement, where the champion still lives in a shack.

The fighter who defied all odds!

By LINDA XIMBA

A CAREER ON THE BRINK

Everyone deserves a second chance in life, and few stories illustrate that better than newly crowned WBC minimumweight champion Siyakholwa Kuse.

Kuse is the pride of KuGompo City after becoming the first boxer from the area to win one of boxing's most prestigious world titles. He had to dig deep to overcome Marvin Jerusalem from the Philippines at Kempton Park in Gauteng two weeks ago.

Two years ago, anyone predicting that Kuse would one day become a world champion would have been dismissed as delusional. At the time, the talented southpaw appeared destined for a tragic decline as drug addiction threatened to destroy both his life and career. But renowned boxing manager Mlandeli Tengimfene stepped in, taking Kuse away from his home and placing him under his care in the suburbs.

The Turning Point

A social scientist by profession who has managed former world champions such as Zolani Tete, Tengimfene recalls the moment he decided to help Kuse. "What helped me relaunch Kuse's career was that I had watched him during his amateur days. I saw great potential when he went toe-to-toe with fighters like Nontshinga, a former IBF world champion, and Ytiriha, who recently won the IBO minimumweight title. The boy had pure talent and just needed nurturing."

When Kuse arrived at Tengimfene’s camp, he weighed only 45kg, weak and dehydrated. With medical care and gradual rebuilding, he regained strength and added 7kg. Soon after, he reclaimed the South African minimumweight title against Bangile Nyangani, earning a top-three WBC ranking.

From there, his rise was steady: winning the African Boxing Union title, then defeating Beaven Sibanda for the WBC Silver belt in 2024, which set him firmly on course for a world championshi

Family vibes.....Kuse's family has been his pillar of support.

Dreams Realized

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Kuse paid tribute to his family and trainers. He revealed that after narrowly losing to the same opponent in the Philippines last year, he pushed himself harder than ever to fulfil his dream. "Winning the WBC title means everything to me. It has been my dream since I was an amateur. I always told myself that one day I would become one of South Africa's great boxers. I come from a struggling family and this achievement will change a lot for us. I promised myself that I would do everything for my family and one day buy them a house."

A Champion’s Reality

During his homecoming celebration, many were shocked to discover that the world champion still lives in a shack. Several dignitaries called on the private sector to step in and help improve his living conditions.

Residents of the Ngidi informal settlement hope Kuse's achievement will shine a spotlight on their community and the harsh conditions they endure daily. His triumph is magnified by the stature of the WBC belt, widely regarded as boxing's gold standard.

Some of boxing's most celebrated champions to wear the WBC crown include Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Kuse becomes only the fourth South African boxer to win a WBC world title, following in the footsteps of Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga, Dingaan "Rose of Soweto" Thobela and Kevin Lerena.

Sidebar

Siyakholwa Kuse – At a Glance

• Age: 26

• Hometown: KuGompo City, Eastern Cape

• Weight Class: Minimumweight (105 lbs / 47.6 kg)

• Style: Southpaw

• Career Highlights:

  • Reclaimed South African minimumweight title (vs Bangile Nyangani)

  • African Boxing Union champion

  • WBC Silver champion (2024, vs Beaven Sibanda)

  • WBC minimumweight world champion (2026, vs Marvin Jerusalem)

• Personal Journey: Overcame drug addiction and poverty with the help of manager Mlandeli Tengimfene

• Dream: To buy his family a house and inspire future generations of South African boxers TQ