Buffalo City Opens Beachfront Precinct Named for Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels Amid Protests

Buffalo City unveiled the Court Crescent precinct in a tribute to Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels, a local boxer tragically killed in 2019. Mayor Princess Faku led the opening ceremony on Thursday, met with a mixture of celebration and discord as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) protested at the event.

The protest centered on allegations of escalated costs and concerns about the quality of the precinct's construction, asserting that the project did not align with the financial outlay managed by the Buffalo City Development Agency. Siya Rumbu, the EFF regional secretary, expressed demands for a comprehensive investigation and raised the prospect of subsequent legal measures.

Tensions were further stoked by comments from Sue Bentley, the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in Buffalo City. Bentley drew attention to issues of maintenance, safety, security, and changes in the project's scope, articulating fears that the precinct might turn into an "expensive white elephant." Bentley reinforced the DA's commitment to continuous oversight to ensure the precinct stands as a fitting homage to Jegels and a sustainable development for the community.

Mayor Faku addressed the Jegels family directly in her speech, expressing gratitude for allowing the precinct to bear their daughter's name and apologizing for the political upheaval overshadowing the event. She emphasized Baby Lee's spirit as a fighter, echoing the sentiment in facing the day's challenges.

For the family of Leighandre Jegels, this precinct stands as a legacy of her life and strengths. Cousin Lazelle du Plessis shared with Algoa FM News that despite the protest, the family felt honored and resolute in the belief that Baby Lee's death was not in vain.

Leighandre was a revered figure in South Africa, known not only for her prowess in the boxing ring but also for her dedication as a teacher. Her violent demise at the hands of her policeman boyfriend on Voortrekker Road, East London, and his subsequent death in a car crash while fleeing the scene, triggered a wave of grief and outcry across the nation.

With the opening of this new precinct, Buffalo City aims to enshrine Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels's memory in a manner befitting her contributions to sport and her community, though it must navigate the contentious political landscape that has accompanied its inauguration.