13 Sep 2020

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Marumo Morule says there is an ongoing restructuring of the commission’s

secretariat.

Speaking at BNSC annual general assembly on Thursday, Morule said they were hopeful that the exercise would be concluded by the second quarter of 2020/2021.

He noted that the outcome of the exercise would be shared with all stakeholders and strategic partners upon completion.

He added that BNSC Act No. 30 of 2014 was also under review, adding they had also submitted affiliates input to Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development who were yet to give a progress report.

Also, he said they had submitted concept paper on proposed review of the Sport and Recreation Policy of 2001 to ministry and were yet to get an update.

“Leaders of sport, as you would be aware that a process to harmonise the operations of BNSC and BNOC was initiated in 2018, this exercise is still ongoing and you will be advised in due course with regard to progress on the matter,” he said.

He said the move would improve effectiveness of the organisation and the landscape of local sport.

On other issues, he said BNSC had sourced funds to refurbish Molepolole Sports Complex’s turf and renovation of water reticulation system.

The complex, he said would be out of bounds when contracted companies begin their works.

Furthermore, he said BNSC had closed athletes’ village for renovation and the project was nearing completion, adding both projects were funded by ministry at the tune of P5 million and P4 million respectively.

He said construction of Botswana Karate Association training hall was almost complete after being halted for several months due to depleted funds.

On football academy, he said its construction was funded by an international company called INEOS.  He said construction of the academy would start once all pre-contract activities were concluded.

Already, he said they had signed a contract with the company to pave way for construction.

Furthermore, he said in the past, BNSC had initiated a system in which National Sport Associations were allocated into tiers (categories).

He said that was based on various factors and it was meant to facilitate funding and other resources relevant to how an association performed in the assessment based on the indicators that were known to all.

“As we struggle with resources, we are now at a time where we need to re-visit the tier system. Those who may find themselves in the lowest categories of the system are those who are failing to comply with set standards,” he said.

Morule said the proposed tier system would assist with good governance, sport development and their ultimate goal of achieving five gold medals at the Olympic Games in 2028. ENDs