Keorapetse James Mashimo, a final-year BCom Accounting student at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng, is passionate about sports and in particular boxing.

Born and raised in Fox Lake, Rustenburg, the 22 year-old also serves as chairperson of the NWU Boxing Club and as an executive member of the Provincial Federation (North West Open Boxing).

“I was elected as the treasurer of the Ngaka Modiri Molema Open Boxing District Federation earlier this year, and subsequent to that I was elected at provincial level as an additional member of the NWOBO council,” says Keorapetse.

Having sharpened his skills as academic affairs officer of the Commerce and Admin Council 2015/2016, secretary of Reloaded Leaders in his high-school days, serving as the regional treasurer of the Rustenburg Baptist Youth Region, and as chairperson of NWU Mahikeng ABASA, Keorapetse’s determination to succeed in the ring is influenced by his stop-at-nothing approach out of the ring.

“I became interested in boxing after I was selected to be the team manager of the NWU Boxing Club in 2017, which included attending the USSA tournament that year,” he adds. “When the call finally came to chair the club, I did not hesitate – being a leader comes easy to me. I have learned a lot about leadership, especially in the sports fraternity. It has been an exciting challenge, contributing to my personal growth and development,” says Keorapetse.

“Today I am an accredited boxing referee and judge under development. I am also a certificated general coach after attending training with the North West Academy of Sports in Potchefstroom a month ago,” he concludes.

With his goal firmly set on being an internationally recognised boxing official, Keorapetse believes it is in giving his best in everything he does, both individually and as part of a team, that will see boxing develop into a renowned sport.  

Keorapetse has been nominated in the category for the best volunteer in the upcoming annual North West Sports Awards.

NWU student Keorapetse James Mashimo (centre) referees a boxing match.