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Botswana Athletics faces mounting challenges as affiliates clash with the board over governance, transparency, and event management issues.
Despite Lestile Tebogo being named World Athletics Athlete of the Year, all is not well in his native Botswana.
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) board faces mounting pressure from affiliates calling for a motion of no confidence, citing mismanagement and internal conflicts.
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The turmoil came to a head during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Gaborone, where affiliates challenged the Moses Bantsi-led board.
Speaking on Friday, Ramotswa Athletics Club chairperson Harold Mosomane revealed the actual situation at the governing body.
“The board and secretariat were and are still miles away from affiliates; (they are) not serving affiliates' interests. Affiliates used the power given to them by Section 19 of the BAA constitution, which allows them to call such a meeting," he said as per Mmengi Online.
It was not an easy thing as it was very clear from the onset that the board was not comfortable with facing affiliates on matters outlined in the request.”
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Tensions were heightened as the affiliates accused the board of poor communication, inconsistent decision-making, and conflicts of interest, especially surrounding high-profile events like the Botswana Gaborone Golden Grand Prix and the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon.
The affiliates also raised concerns about inadequate rules and regulations, the abuse of power during team selections and the lack of transparency regarding sponsorship funds and their allocation.
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An Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), due in the calendar, was held in place of the requested SGM.
However, affiliates insisted that an SGM was necessary to resolve pressing issues. “The affiliates preferred a problem-solving SGM than a usual generic OGM,” Mosomane stated.
One of the most contentious issues revolved around the Golden Grand Prix event. Mosomane accused the board of dishonesty, revealing that they denied involvement in removing the event’s founder, Glody Dube, only for a letter to later confirm otherwise.
“They travelled to the Bahamas to discuss Dube’s event in his absence,” he claimed.
A BAA letter dated April 26, 2023, revealed that government and BAA delegates had flown to the Bahamas for the World Relays to address the Golden Grand Prix court case and bid for future championships.
The affiliates also decried the lack of qualified personnel in critical areas, particularly electronic timing for the 2024 athletics season.
“The board has been requested to have an agreement with Tshepo Kelaotswe, who is the only qualified electronic timer in the country, before the season starts,” said Moroka Athletics Club chairperson Moshe Gochela.
Gochela further emphasized the need for Kelaotswe to train other officials to ensure sustainability and reliability in the timing department.
Task teams have been established to address the concerns, with set timelines to deliver solutions.
“Rules and regulations for national team selection will be established. Athletics competitions have qualifying standards, but in some instances, athletes who had qualified were left out because selection was influenced by certain individuals,' he added.
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In response, BAA vice president-administration, Oabona Theetso, acknowledged the affiliates’ frustrations but remained noncommittal.
“I might think the SGM addressed their concerns while on the other end they think otherwise,” he said.
Affiliates have warned that if structural and operational reforms are not implemented urgently, the turbulence could derail the country’s athletics prospects, tarnishing achievements like Tebogo’s international recognition.
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