17 Sep 2023

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has escaped with a stern warning after appearing before Botswana National Sports Commission’s (BNSC) disciplinary wing.

 “Any future recurrence of such incident will attract severe consequences,’ announced BOKA president, Mpho Bakwadi, during the association’s assembly on Saturday.

BOKA faced charges concerning mishandling of youth athletes, who were reportedly stranded in a foreign country due to visa-related complications.

The situation, Bakwadi said, necessitated the intervention of Botswana government, leading to an embarrassing situation for BNSC.

The BOKA leader also stated that the association was also subject to a High Court case initiated by the previous BOKA administration.

BNSC, he said, had provided the association with financial support exceeding P200 000 to cover the expenses related to the matter.

Furthermore, he said BNSC had disbursed around P300 000 to settle debts that were accrued by the previous BOKA committee.

“It is essential to emphasise that BNSC provided assistance and support throughout various matters involving the previous committee,’ he added.

In other issues, Bakwadi said Karate Nomich had been expelled from BOKA.

He said it was initially suspended for failure to remit affiliation fees. It was given an opportunity to demonstrate affiliation status, but was unable to do so.

Bakwadi said Karate Nomich also failed to repay funds it had used from BOKA to support a Lobatse Sports Festival event, which BOKA had not endorsed.

“Despite being formally requested to settle the outstanding amount of P27 000, they did not comply, leading to the decision to expel them,”Bakwadi explained.

He also announced that Gojo Kai ceased to be a BOKA affiliate due to its non-compliance with the constitution, specifically failure to pay annual affiliation fees.

He, however, said Botswana Shukokai Union, under the leadership of Socca Moruakgomo, was reinstated after successfully rectifying its administrative issues and complying with the requirements of the Registrar of Societies.

Bakwadi said BOKA’s secretary general had been suspended due to allegations of misconduct, adding that the case was under review by the disciplinary commission.

He said construction of the BOKA Hall was complete and they were awaiting the external audit, which was a prerequisite by the Japanese Embassy that funded the project.

BNSC, he said, had   been entrusted with the responsibility to conduct the audit within the current month.

“It’s important to emphasise that failure of this audit could result in the Japanese Embassy discontinuing their funding support for any sporting activities in Botswana. The audit process is anticipated to conclude by October. Subsequently, a proper handover will take place, allowing affiliates to utilise the venue,” said Bakwadi. ENDS