Hlabane trained Ledwaba after the death of his trainer David Kgotsane until the soft-spoken fighter retired in 2006. Ledwaba then began honing the skills of other boxers and produced SA champions including IBF world champion Zolani Tete.
“All was well until he got sick,” said an emotional Hlabane of Ledwaba, who died of Covid-19 aged 49. “It was like flu but it got worse. We went through a lot that I am willing to share publicly. The message that he was gone cut through like a hot knife in butter.” “It is difficult for me to forget about the experience I saw when Ledwaba began getting sick. I still see him crying to me even today as he did every day. Ledwaba saw me as a mother and father to him and after losing my only son I welcomed Ledwaba as my other son.”
Silahlekelwe isizwe Rest in Peace My brother