Buffalo City Metro Dedicates Beachfront Precinct in Honour of Slain Boxing Champion Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels

Buffalo City Metro (BCM) in Eastern Cape, South Africa, is set to immortalize the legacy of former boxing and karate champion Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels with the official opening of the R87 million beachfront Court Crescent precinct, now to be known as Baby Lee Jegels Park. The inauguration, scheduled for Thursday, will have Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and BCM Mayor Princess Faku in attendance, marking a significant moment in the community's history.

This extensive development project, undertaken and implemented by the Buffalo City Development Agency, began in 2020 amidst challenging conditions, and represents a significant investment in the area's visual and economic future. The beachfront transformation not only promises a delightful recreational space but signifies the Metro's ambitions to stimulate economic vitality and position the locale as a premier entertainment and tourist hub.

The endeavor, which took place over the span of roughly three years, has been instrumental in fueling local employment, providing work for around 143 individuals, and supporting 11 SMMEs in the region. Features of the newly beautified area include meticulously crafted road works, thoughtfully designed parking bays, an inviting walkway, an engaging information center, and vital ablution facilities. Outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the presence of hawkers’ stalls, a children’s jungle gym, and an outdoor gym area, ensuring an inclusive environment for visitors of all ages and interests.

The poignant decision to rename Court Crescent after Jegels follows her tragic death in 2019, at the hand of her then-boyfriend, Sergeant Bulelani Manyakama. The act of memorializing Jegels in this manner reflects the city's recognition of her contributions to the sport and undeniably, her impact on the community. This grand gesture aligns with the BCM's broader approach of acknowledging local heroes and integrating their legacies into the fabric of the city's developments.

Furthermore, the revamped precinct's unveiling is timely, aligning with the upcoming festive season, when a surge in tourism is expected. The beachfront's accessibility and appeal are projected to be high points for both residents and visitors, enhancing the festive atmosphere and contributing to the local economy's recuperation after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project's completion also arrives in parallel to major road refurbishments along Settlers Way, further enhancing transportation and connectivity for the metro's citizens. Infrastructure advancements such as these are crucial components in the overall strategic plan to elevate the city's status as a central economic player in the region.

As Buffalo City Metro steps into a hopeful future for its beachfront district, the commemoration of Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels signifies a commitment not only to urban renewal but also to the remembrance of impactful local figures. The official opening of Baby Lee Jegels Park stands to be not just a legacy project, but a vibrant reminder of the inspiring life and career of a celebrated champion who called Buffalo City her home.