Limpopo-born former boxing champion Lovemore Ndu, now based in Australia, has announced that he will stand as an independent candidate for Parliament in the 2024 election.
The 52-year-old former three-time welterweight champion has returned to South Africa to launch a political campaign to win an independent seat.
Born in Musina, Limpopo, Ndu left South Africa in 1996 in search of greener pastures in Australia. The talented boxer said he has no regrets about the move 'Down Under' as it fueled his meteoric rise to stardom. He insists that the patriotic umbilical cord with South Africa has never been cut.
“I have lived in Australia for 27 years. I left in 1996 and I do not regret moving. It was one of the best things in my life. I'm here today because of the opportunities my country has given me.”
Ndou says his decision to move permanently to South Africa was inspired by his passion to help the country grow. Mr Ndou, who has seven university degrees and a successful law firm back in Sydney, says he is living a life of luxury in Australia.
“I am still a citizen, so as I said, I have a responsibility as a citizen. I am concerned about the current situation in South Africa. I don't have to come here, in fact I've sacrificed a lot to be here. I run a business, I'm a qualified lawyer, I run a law firm. I have to give up everything to come here.”
Video: Former boxing champion Lovemore Ndu contests election as independent candidate
The former IBO welterweight champion said black economic empowerment (BEE) is a major cause of socio-economic challenges in South Africa and believes he has the solution.
“The other biggest mistake we made was the introduction of BEE. The idea behind it is commendable. To allow people of color to participate in the economy, which was not allowed during the apartheid system. However, the problem is that BEE has become a trigger for corruption.”
Ndou was trying to form a political party known as Building A Better South Africa. However, after President Ramaphosa signed the Electoral Law Amendment Bill into law in June last year, Ndou relished the opportunity to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate.
The new law allows independent candidates not affiliated with political parties to participate in national and local elections. Meanwhile, the Ndu camp's lieutenants are busy with their assigned tasks.
“We have been going to Musina for the last few days to campaign and the campaign has been going very well as different churches have welcomed us. Ndou has spoken to them and told them: People know him and it is important to touch them here and there to remind them of his leadership. He is preparing for change.” campaigner Matozi Mdimeli said.
Ndou is in a race against time to campaign across the country.