Vuyokazi Ncata has worked her way up to being one of the best referees and judges in the country when it comes to boxing. Her career in the ring began in 1999 when she was appointed as a telecom operator in the Eastern Cape Boxing Commission in Quigney, East London, kwaNomalaphu.
Having been born in Duncan Village which is known as the Mecca of boxing in East London, Ncata used to watch the legends of yesteryear fighting at the Orient Theatre and the Mdantsane Sun. This piqued her interest in the sport and saw her travel the journey into being part of it.
In 2004, she started officiating as a judge. She had worked at the office, capturing boxers’ records and weigh-ins, and that’s when Ncata’s interest in officiating grew stronger.
She says the number of female referees has increased over the years and she is proud to be one of the faces that proves women can also be in the male-dominated field.
“There are several females in the field of boxing not there have been in the past. At the moment I’m the only female in Gqeberha officiating.”
“As a female official in a predominantly male-dominated field, my participation is a powerful statement of progress and inclusivity. It will encourage more women to participate in Boxing officiating and contribute to a more diverse and representative sporting community.”
Boxing Ring Official, Vuyokazi Ncata
Ncata stated that it is this that she loves about her job in the ring: “The attention to detail when watching boxers fight, especially scoring, ensuring that there is a winner in each bout.”
Ncata has shared that Boxing South Africa (BSA) has done its best to ensure gender parity in the sport. She added that this can also be felt on an international level.
“Boxing has changed drastically in the last few years. We have women officials in all the provinces of South Africa, globally, we even have the Women in Boxing initiative where tournaments are run by females only so the promoters, doctors, ring announcers, and ring officials are all women. Our Provincial Manager Siya Vabaza Booi and our newly appointed board Chairperson of BSA Ayanda Khumalo, are women.”
Ncata stated she dreams of being a well-known figure in the sport.
“What I want to achieve is to be recognised worldwide because I believe that my experience and knowledge can stand me in good stead anywhere in the world.”
The boxing official says she has amassed some unforgettable memories and regaled just what some of those achievements are.
“I was officiating in Durban in the first Women in Boxing Sports Tournament also when I officiated in Gqeberha in a women’s bout and that made me proud of myself. I was also privileged to officiate the world bodies of the WBF and ABU respectively.”
The Ring Referee says she wants women not to be deterred by the fact boxing is known to be a male-dominated sport. It’s up to them to ensure that the change comes with more women finding their place in boxing.
“My message to other women will be come let’s take up the space in this male-dominated sport of Boxing and make a difference by taking up roles in Boxing officiating and contribute to a more diverse and representative sporting community at large.”
Inspiring other women is something that is rather special to Ncata, and she believes that having a positive mindset – whatever the situation – will go a long way.
“Inspiring others means a combination of actions, words, and a positive attitude. Encouraging a growth mindset by promoting the idea that mistakes are learning opportunities can inspire others to take risks and pursue their goals with confidence.”
She concluded by conveying what she hoped the new BSA board would do to help more girls and women get involved in the sport.
“I wish young girls were recruited from the grassroots level as low as primary school. They can rope in and collaborate with amateur South African National Boxing Organisations (SANABO) so that the BSA board can ensure more women get into the sport of boxing.”
Main Photo Caption: Ring Official Vuyokazi Ncata is bossing it in the boxing ring, she hopes to be an inspiration to other women and girls considering the career as she uses her participation as a powerful statement of progress and inclusivity. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Inspiring other women is something that is rather special to Ncata, and she believes that having a positive mindset – whatever the situation – will go a long way.
Photo 3 Caption: Ncata: “My message to other women will be come let’s take up the space in this male-dominated sport of Boxing and make a difference”.
Photo 4 Caption: The Ring Referee says she wants women not to be deterred by the fact boxing is known to be a male-dominated sport.
Photo 5 Caption: Born in Duncan Village, the Mecca of boxing in East London, Ncata used to watch the legends of yesteryear fighting at the Orient Theatre and the Mdantsane Sun.
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