10 Nov 2021

Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) on Tuesday handed a house and tuckshop to family of Tefo Maitewa, who died last year.

The 22-year-old Molepolole born boxer, who was the 2017 and 2019 national flyweight and bantamweight champion, died after a short battle with brain tumour.

At the time of his death, Maitewa was part of the national team that was working towards qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, BNSC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufo, said the tuckshop would continue Maitewa’s legacy since he had a dream of taking care of his family.

BNSC provided a shelter, fridge and initial items to sell.

Serufho said they hoped the family would be able to provide for itself as the fallen boxer could have done.

The BNSC CEO promised the family the organisation’s continued support.

For his part, BOBA president, Gilbert Khunwane, said they built a house for the family, renovated an existing one and connected electricity.

They also provided the family with a water tank.

A relative, Boifang Gaboitsewe, thanked the BNSC and BOBA for their continued support, saying the organisations had been part of the family for a long time and even played a leading role during Maitewa’s funeral.

She expressed hope that the tuckshop would be sustainable, adding that it was important for them not to offer groceries on credit. ENDS