Media statement: World's first isiXhosa Boxing rule book launched

On Tuesday, 28 November 2022, Minister Anroux Marais handed over copies of the first translated isiXhosa Boxing rules booklet to boxing structures in the province.

Since 2015, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has embarked on the process of translating the rule books of various sporting codes into isiXhosa in order to increase accessibility to and compliance with these rules. The completed booklets to date include rule books for Chess, Cricket, Netball and now Boxing.

The rule books have been translated through the work of the Language Unit at DCAS, in consultation with various expert stakeholders in terminology development to ensure the translations are complete and correct. The development of these translated books ensures the promotion of multilingualism in the sport environment.

At the launch of the world’s first isiXhosa rule book, Minister Marais said: “As we continue to work towards social inclusion in the province, these translated rule books will also serve as important tools in bringing people from different backgrounds together through sport. In handing these books over to the boxing structures today, I hope that you will help us promote these books and distribute them to your members and clubs, so that we can ensure that all administrators and athletes have the opportunity to engage with the translated rules.”

Hard copies of the rule book are available via the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.