IN LOVING MEMORY OF ZOLANI “LAST BORN” TETE

8 March 1988 – 21 August 2026

South Africa mourns the passing of former two-time world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who died on 21 August 2026 at the age of 38.

Born on 8 March 1988 in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, Zolani developed a passion for boxing from a young age. Growing up in a community renowned for producing some of South Africa’s greatest fighters, he began boxing as a child and went on to establish himself as one of the country’s most accomplished boxers.

Tete enjoyed an outstanding professional career and became a two-weight world champion. He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later becoming the WBO bantamweight world champion. His achievements placed him among an elite group of South African fighters who reached the highest level of international boxing.

One of the defining moments of his career came in 2017 when he knocked out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya just 11 seconds into their world title bout. The extraordinary victory became recognised as the fastest knockout in a world title fight and secured Tete a place in boxing history.

Known by his nickname “Last Born”, Tete was admired for his discipline, resilience, skill and determination inside the ring. His success made him a source of pride for Mdantsane, the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole.

Beyond his own boxing career, Tete had ambitions to contribute to the future of the sport. He established Last Born Boxing Promotions as he began preparing for a life beyond competing, with the hope of creating opportunities and helping develop future generations of fighters.

His life was tragically cut short when he was shot outside his home in Mdantsane on 21 August 2026. His death shocked the South African sporting community and prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow boxers, sporting authorities, supporters, family and friends.

In recognition of his contribution to South African boxing, Tete was accorded a Special Provincial Category Two funeral. Hundreds of supporters gathered at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on 29 August 2026 to celebrate his life and remarkable boxing journey.

Zolani “Last Born” Tete leaves behind a powerful sporting legacy. He will be remembered not only as a world champion, but as a fighter who carried the hopes of his community onto the international stage and demonstrated what could be achieved through talent, discipline and perseverance.

Rest in peace, Zolani “Last Born” Tete.

The final bell may have rung, but the legacy of a champion will live on.