After spending years in the UK, Amelda Smith and her husband, Sheldon, returned to South Africa hoping to make a difference.
Hermanus, South Africa (20 October 2026) – When Amelda Smith and her husband, Sheldon, returned to South Africa after spending a combined 42 years in the United Kingdom, they knew they wanted to give back to the country they called home. What they did not expect was to find themselves immersed in grassroots boxing.
“We know nothing about boxing,” Amelda recalls thinking when the idea first came up.
Their journey began with a series of unexpected connections. Sheldon met one of the founders of UK-based boxing brand BOXRAW at a work dinner in London, sparking conversations about supporting boxing in South Africa.
Later, a friend introduced the couple to Mzi Damesi, founder and coach of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in Hermanus.
“Little did we know that meeting Mzi would be so life-changing for us,” Amelda says.
Mzi started training children in Zwelihle with little more than a punch bag hanging from a tree. His goal was to give young people a safe place to go after school, offering them an alternative to the challenges facing their community.
Today, the club has more than 220 registered children, providing free boxing training alongside feeding initiatives and other community support.
For Amelda, working alongside Mzi and his partner, Buli, has offered a glimpse into the dedication required to keep the initiative running. Buli works full-time before heading to the club to help feed the children, while Mzi provides guidance and support that extends beyond the boxing ring.
“They are probably the two most hardworking, most inspirational people I’ve ever met.”
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The impact is evident in the opportunities the club has created. Simamkele “Sima” Damesi represented South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, fulfilling one of Mzi’s long-held dreams.
Beyond producing talented boxers, Amelda believes the club gives children discipline, focus and a sense of belonging.
“He gives them hope to see beyond the township, to widen their scope and see that there’s so much that boxing can offer.”
Now, the couple are helping the club embark on another chapter through a partnership with Boxing is Love, BOXRAW’s official charity.
From 2 to 6 December 2026, international volunteers will join the club for Camp Vukani, bringing together boxing clubs from across the Western Cape for workshops covering coaching, nutrition, strength and conditioning, resilience and athlete wellbeing.
Plans are also under way to secure a mobile boxing ring to improve access to competitions and encourage greater collaboration between clubs.
Making a difference does not require specialist knowledge or grand gestures. It begins with recognising a need and offering what you can.
“Everybody has some skills, something they can do,” she says.
Her advice to others wanting to help their communities is to show up.
“Show up at the club and say, ‘I am here. How can I help you?’”
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