26 Feb 2017

Power struggle at Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has forced the federation president, Moses Bantsi, his deputy Roland Masalila and secretary Legojane Kebaitse to resign in their positions.

Before announcing their resignationon at the BAA annual general meeting on Saturday, Orapa Athletics Club had moved a motion of no confidence against Kebaitse, but they could not secure enough votes to effect the removal.

According to the BAA constitution, a motion can only pass if supported by two thirds majority, and in this case 13 clubs were present, four voted that Legojane should stay, and two were spoilt vote, thus failing to reach the 66.7 per cent for the motion to succeed.

Defending their motion, Orapa Athletics Club representative, Kenneth Kikwe said there had been poor communication from the secretariat overtime.

However, despite escaping the no confidance motion, Kebaitse said he found it prudent to resign from his position for the sake of progress in the athletics family.

He said in an interview that there was a serious problem in athletics, given that for a very long time affiliates had been removing their leadership from office through motion of no confidence, adding that was clear indication that all was not well.

“I think some people are looking at their own interest and they use affiliates and officials to disturbilise the federation, which according to me is very wrong and should be condemned,” he said.

He said he was aware that there were major competitions coming, like IAAF World Championship, Bahamas relay, and BAA national championships that would need a united executive committee.

He however it was a sad day to see three members resigning from their positions.

“I am aware that the resignation has a potential to affect the competition preparation, even potential sponsors. You see sponsors are very sensitive they would not like to associate with any code where there is no stability,” he said.

Bantsi who also resigned said it would be difficult for Kebaitse to be blamed alone, and also difficult for him to lead people who did not have confidence in their leader. Masalila also tendered his resignation on grounds that governance was all about taking responsibility, but it was unfortunate that only the secretary was singled out for the failure of the association.

Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) director of sports development, Steve Botlhasitse told affiliates that Batswana were looking at athletics to ensure that they continued to make the country proud by bringing results to the country.

Botlhasitse however told them that according to BAA constitution, article 25.2.6 in the event that four  elective positions simultaneously fell vacant, two of  which shall be the president and vice president ,the remaining member holding an elective position shall act as president.

He said the article continues to say that the acting member in that capacity shall call a special general meeting of the association within 21 days from the day the positions fell vacant, at which elections shall be held to fill the vacancies. ENDS