11/10/2026
THE HEARTBEAT OF SOUTH AFRICAN BOXING: MDANTSANE AND DUNCAN VILLAGE
“Will I be OK?” I asked Camagu as we parked at Ekoneni Lounge in NU1, Mdantsane.
I had just finished recording a podcast with the guys from The Nayful Podcast, something we had been talking about doing on Instagram for about 10 months.
“You’re with us and you’re one of us,” Camagu said as he and BK led the way to the entrance. Before we got out of the car, BK had said to me, “Nomakanjani, I’m sure people will ask you for pictures. A lot of people will know you here.”
Sure enough, as we entered the lounge, with the music blaring, a young man approached me. “Hey, Nomakanjani, please can I take a picture with you?”
“Yes, of course,” I replied, now understanding what Camagu meant.
After the interview and podcast, I was starving, so I asked the boys to take me for some braai meat, steamed bread and umngqusho.
There we were, sitting on couches, enjoying the vibe and the music, when more men approached me to talk boxing. I was in my element. I’ve been to Mdantsane and Duncan Village several times over the last 26 years, but at this stage of my career, I understand my contribution to South African boxing. As I sat there, I realised I was right in the heart of South African boxing. “The Mecca” is the heartbeat of boxing in this country.
Just before we left to return to my hotel, I told the boys I needed to use the toilet. As I walked in, a gentleman greeted me and said, “Hello, Colin.”
“Hey, how are you doing?” I replied.
“Iyhooooo, I’m pi**ed off that you guys beat (Asanda) Gingqi last night.”
I shrugged, smiled and carried on walking.
There was no doubt about it: I was in “The Mecca,” the heart and soul of South African boxing.
Issued by: NO DOUBT Management
2026-10-11