Botswana athletics in chaos as affiliates clash
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.12.24. | 16:45
Affiliates have warned that without urgent reforms, Botswana’s athletics prospects, including building on Tebogo’s global success, could face significant setbacks
Despite Letsile Tebogo being named World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year, Botswana’s athletics scene is mired in controversy, with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) board facing a storm of criticism.
Affiliates have increased pressure on the Moses Bantsi-led board, citing mismanagement, internal conflicts, and a lack of transparency, leading to calls for a motion of no confidence.
Tensions escalated during a Special General Meeting (SGM) in Gaborone, where affiliates accused the board of failing to serve their interests.
According to Ramotswa Athletics Club chairperson Harold Mosomane, the board has remained disconnected from affiliates, neglecting their concerns.
“The board and secretariat were, and still are, miles away from affiliates; they are not serving affiliates' interests,” Mosomane said, as reported by Mmegi Online.
He added that affiliates invoked Section 19 of the BAA constitution, which grants them the power to call such a meeting. At the heart of the dispute is dissatisfaction over communication failures, inconsistent decision-making, and allegations of conflicts of interest in high-profile events such as the Botswana Gaborone Golden Grand Prix and the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon.
Affiliates also expressed concerns about inadequate rules governing team selection, a lack of transparency in sponsorship fund allocation, and the absence of qualified personnel in critical areas like electronic timing.
One of the most contentious issues revolves around the Golden Grand Prix, where the board allegedly sidelined its founder, Glody Dube. Mosomane revealed that the board initially denied involvement in Dube’s removal, only for a letter to later confirm otherwise. He also accused the board of traveling to the Bahamas to discuss the matter without Dube’s knowledge.
The situation has prompted calls for immediate reforms. Affiliates are demanding clear selection criteria, with allegations surfacing that qualified athletes were overlooked due to favoritism. They also urged the BAA to hire and train personnel in electronic timing to avoid operational challenges in the 2024 season.
“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," said Moroka Athletics Club chairperson Moshe Gochela.
Task forces have been established to address these grievances, but affiliates remain skeptical. BAA Vice President of Administration, Oabona Theetso, acknowledged their frustrations but admitted uncertainty about whether the SGM resolved the issues.
Affiliates have warned that without urgent reforms, Botswana’s athletics prospects, including building on Tebogo’s global success, could face significant setbacks. The turmoil has cast a shadow over the nation’s athletics achievements, threatening its reputation on the international stage.
