The cheers, embraces and South African flags said it all as historic world champion Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira arrived home at OR Tambo International Airport on the 17 August 2026 to a warm and emotional welcome from her family, loved ones, members of Boxing South Africa (BSA), the BSA Women in Boxing Committee and supporters of the sport.
Ferreira’s homecoming was more than the arrival of a champion. It was a celebration of a woman who has carried the hopes of all female boxers in South Africa onto the international stage and returned home.
The atmosphere at OR Tambo was filled with pride as family and loved ones gathered to welcome Ferreira back to the country following her historic WBC world title victory against Canada’s Caroline Veyre which took place on 15 August in Atlanta, Unted States of America (USA). The celebration also brought together representatives of Boxing South Africa and the BSA Women in Boxing Committee, underlining the significance of the achievement for the growth and visibility of women’s boxing in South Africa.
Ferreira’s journey has become an important part of the story of South African women’s boxing. Earlier this year, BSA described her world-title success as a reflection of the growing strength and potential of women in the sport.
For Boxing South Africa, her latest achievement represents more than an individual victory.
It is a moment that belongs to the boxer, her family, her team and the wider boxing fraternity.
BSA Chairperson Ms Ayanda Khumalo said Ferreira’s achievement was a source of immense pride for the organisation and the country.
“It is a very special day for not only South African boxing but women in boxing as well. Bernice has not only returned home as a world champion; she has returned home having made history and having shown what is possible when talent, courage, discipline and determination come together. We are incredibly proud of her.”
Khumalo further added that Ferreira’s achievement carries particular significance for young women watching her journey.
“For every young girl who dreams of stepping into a boxing ring, Bernice’s story says: believe in yourself, work hard and never allow anyone to tell you that your dreams are too big. Her victory is a victory for South African boxing, but it is also a powerful message to the next generation of women who want to find their place in this sport.”
The presence of the Women in Boxing Committee at the airport further reflected the importance of Ferreira’s achievement within the broader development of women’s boxing.
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Rina Subotzky Jude, Chairperson of BSA’s Women in Boxing Committee and a longstanding advocate for women’s participation and development in boxing, said Ferreira’s achievement was a moment that should be celebrated across the entire boxing community and the country.
There is something incredibly special about seeing Bernice come home and being surrounded by the people who love her and the boxing community that is so proud of her. This is what moments like this are about, celebrating the person behind the champion and recognising the journey, sacrifice and resilience it took to get here.”
Subotzky Jude said Ferreira’s victory should inspire continued investment in women’s boxing.
“Bernice is showing young women that there is a place for them at the highest level of this sport. We must keep creating opportunities, keep telling their stories and keep building pathways for women to succeed. Today we celebrate Bernice, but we also celebrate every young girl who sees herself in her.”
The emotional welcome also provided a reminder that behind every championship belt is a story of sacrifice and support.
For Ferreira, the moment was shared with the people who stood beside her long before the world recognised her as a champion, her family, loved ones, team and supporters.
Boxing South Africa believes moments like these are vital to building a stronger boxing culture, one that celebrates champions, honours their journeys and inspires the next generation.
Ferreira’s historic achievement comes at an important time for women’s boxing, as both Boxing SA and BSA’s Women in Boxing Committee continues to drive greater participation, development and visibility for women in the sport.
As Bernice begins the next chapter of her championship journey, Boxing South Africa proudly welcomes her home. South Africa is proud of you, Bernice. The belt is yours, and this historic moment belongs to us all.
