PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR SITHEMBILE XASO’S DOCUMENTARY HONOURS MDANTSANE’S KNUCKLE DAY BOXING TOURNAMENT
- ECDC - Eastern Cape Development Corporation
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape lies a quiet revolution—one fought not with bullets or ballots, but with fists, discipline, and dreams. Pound for Pound: An Eastern Cape Story is an inspiring documentary that uncovers the untold journey of grassroots boxing in one of the country’s culturally rich provinces.
Screened at the Eastern Cape Film Expo outreach at Makhanda’s Joza Township’s Youth Centre today, Pound for Pound is the work of Mdantsane producer, writer, actor and director Sithembile Xaso.
The 23- minute documentary has already been screened twice on eTV in 2024 with hopes of securing licensing with one of the major channels during the three-day expo.
Pound for Pound chronicles the Knuckle Day boxing tournament held on a weekly basis in Mdantsane which culminates in a monthly tournament where a new or defending champion is crowned.
Xaso was inspired by the work of the working class founders of the tournament such as Linda Saliwa and Vuyile Boqwana among others who fund the tournament out of their own pockets. They transport the kids to the gym, buying food for them, assisting the young boxers’ families where there is a need, while ensuring that they keep up with their school obligations.
Xaso, whose first love is fictional story telling, says it was important to tell the story of the tournament because of the immense impact it has had on the lives of young boxers in Mdantsane.
“The boxing tournament is not just a competition; it is a lifestyle. The founders take these kids from a young age and make sure that they go to school, make sure they are fed, they ensure they do their homework and then transport them to the gym.
“It has produced rising stars such as Mdantsane’s Asemahle Sotwili who became the African champion at the age of 12, the same year she joined Knuckle Day. In its 19th season, the Knuckle Day tournament travelled the journey with her from primary school making sure she stays in school. She’s now a law student at the University of Fort Hare and she remains an undisputed South African and African champion. She has a perfect winning record having never lost a match since the age of 12. I started following her career since she started boxing at age 12,” says Xaso.
Xaso has also produced a 10-episode series called The Mat on Mpuma Kapa TV. He is also producer, writer, actor and director on a new film, The Ungovernable, which is inspired by the heartbreaking Enyobeni tragedy. Funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, National Film and Video Foundation and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council, the series is currently looking for funding to finalise post-production.
