▪️In total IBA has appointed 17 observers. Others are from Asia, America, Europe and Oceania
May 29, 2026
South Africa National Boxing Organisation President, Siyabulela Mkwalo, is among five officials from Africa appointed as IBA Observers by the President Umar Kremlev.
Others on board are South Sudan federation President Tereza Athian, Gabon federation Secretary-General Paul llengou, Namibia’s Benjamin Rebbang and the pioneer of women’s boxing in Botswana Irene Ntelemo who at one time was in IBA Women’s Committee and Secretary-General of the Botswana federation.
A letter to the appointed observers dated May 26, 2026, from the International Boxing Association President Kremlev reads in part: “On 22 May 2026, you have been appointed as an IBA Observer for a 4 (four) year term, pursuant
to article 2.4 of the IBA Observer Guidelines.
“As outlined comprehensively in the IBA Observer Guidelines, your role encompasses the following responsibilities:
a) ensuring that the elections conducted by a National Federation adhere strictly to its National
Constitution, uphold generally accepted democratic principles, and are based on good
governance practices, while also guaranteeing that no undue influence from any third parties affects the electoral process;
b) taking all necessary measures to ensure that the elections organized by a National Federation fully comply with both the IBA Membership Policy and the IBA Constitution;
c) abiding by the IBA Disciplinary and Ethics Code and fully accepting the jurisdiction of the BIIU Dispute, Ethics, and Disciplinary Unit in all relevant matters;
d) avoiding any conflicts of interest and complying with the IBA Conflict of Interest Policy at all times;
e) attending the Congress and being present either in person or virtually until its official closure;
f) promptly informing the IBA Head Office should any force majeure event arise that prevents you from attending any part of the Congress;
g) submitting your report to the IBA Head Office in accordance with the template provided within the Observer Guidelines.
Please be advised that this position is entirely voluntary; however, the IBA will cover all associated
travel and accommodation expenses related to your duties as an Observer.
Observer appointments will be made by the IBA President or IBA Secretary General & CEO, selecting candidates from the List of Observers.
The selection will be carried out at the discretion of the IBA President
and IBA Secretary General & CEO or may be initiated upon formal request by the concerned
National Federation or the affiliated Continental Unit.
📸Left South Sudan federation President Tereza Athian and on the right the pioneer of women’s boxing in Botswana the evergreen Irene Ntelemo
boxersworld.co.ke
