14 Nov 2023

The newly elected Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) regional vice president-Africa, Botsang Tshenyego is ready to work with the entire CGF community to position the organisation as a leader in driving sustainable development.
Such would be achieved by mainstreaming sustainability principles in the oragnisation’s strategy via setting attainable goals and targets.
This was a promise that Tshenyego made in his well-crafted campaign manifesto submitted for the position which ultimately landed him in the CGF office unopposed at the organisation’s annual general meeting  in Singapore on November 14.
Currently the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) president, Tshenyego has also promised to work with Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) that had optimal relations with their ministers of sport to help bring other associations closer to their ministries of sport.
He further promised to work with all stakeholders to review and make the hosting of both Commonwealth Games and the Youth Games affordable and sustainable.
He highlighted the need to mobilise resources within Africa and beyond for legacy projects in the continent to include recognition of past athletes and administrators.
Furthermore, he said he would also work with all structures of the CGF to uphold and promote the values of the movement thereby enhancing its brand visibility.
Speaking in an interview, Tshenyego said he was happy to have been elected the CGF regional vice president-Africa.
“It is an exciting time given that we are developing a strategy that recognises individual membership in terms of the continent. Every continent will have its own strategy on the basis of its need, unlike before where we were using the same strategy. I take this bold and ambitious endeavour knowing the challenge. However as a regular attendee of CGF ministers of sport meetings with my ministers, I take note of the below optimal atmosphere other CGAs work in,” he said.
He added that the most pressing issues regarding Commonwealth that the board would deal with was to manage games.
On other issues, Tshenyego regretted that Australia had pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, adding, however that was on the agenda for discussion.
Meanwhile, the annual meeting, gathered CGF members to review activity, drive progress and inspire change.
The meeting also included interactive workshops and presentations as well as strategic activity updates. BOPA