The late Dingaan Thobela, affectionately known as “The Rose of Soweto,” left behind a complex legacy and an even more complicated family situation following his death on April 29 at the age of 57. Reported by TimesLIVE, the legendary boxer’s father, Godfrey Thobela, is now seeking to resolve a dispute involving ten individuals claiming to be Dingaan’s children.
In court papers seen by TimesLIVE, Godfrey Thobela revealed that his son had expressed doubts about fathering some of the children. “His promiscuous life led to many women claiming he fathered their children, but many of those claims were found to be untrue,” he said. He further explained that, according to their culture, a pregnant woman is expected to inform the alleged father’s family, something he says did not happen in these cases.
The dispute involves ten claimants—Thando Khumalo, Penelope Ntombi Thobela, Queeneth Mononyane, Bongane Thobela, Nobuhle Mashamaite, Theriso Serokelove, Dingandi Jnr Thobela, Ndivhuo Alton Ramaru, Malishane Shanel Kia, and Neo Thobela—who appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday. Tensions were high as the alleged children clashed over the issue of paternity.
“That question of paternity should have gone to Dingaan, not his children,” one of the claimants exclaimed in the court corridors, while another added, “Why did he do that? After the funeral, he performed umsebenzi,” referencing the traditional rituals held after Dingaan’s passing.
Penelope Thobela expressed frustration, stating, “It’s getting out of hand. Others don’t get along.” The group, despite claiming unity, was divided on how to handle the matter. Miscommunications in a WhatsApp group and rumors from gossip blogs that Dingaan had fathered 14 children only added to the conflict.
“We are unified but we don’t have the same perspective on this,” said another of the claimants, reflecting the growing discord within the family as they seek clarity on their inheritance.
