12 Aug 2025

Parliament has passed the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Amendment Bill No. 17 of 2025 into law, which is hailed as a significant legislative reform aimed at modernising Botswana’s sport governance and aligning it with international anti-doping standards.  

The Bill tabled by the Minister of Sport and Arts, Mr Jacob Kelebeng, was adopted without amendments after being presented from the Committee stage on Monday.

It received overwhelming support with 38 votes in favour, while two MPs abstained from voting.

Presenting the Bill, Minister Kelebeng stressed the importance of legal reforms to promote clean sport, uphold athletes’ integrity and meet international obligations, particularly those under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sport.

He explained that the BNSC, originally established to coordinate and facilitate sports development in Botswana, currently carried responsibilities that included both sport promotion and anti-doping regulation, a dual role that now contradicted international standards.

“While appropriate at the time of enactment in 2014, the current legal framework is no longer compliant. 

The World Anti-Doping Code, particularly Article 20.5.1 and World Anti-Doping Agency’s guidelines emphasise operational independence for anti-doping organisations, which we must adhere to,” said Mr Kelebeng.

To rectify this, he said the Bill proposed to amend Section 2 of Cap 60:01, revise Section 43, and completely delete Part X of the Act, which currently contained the anti-doping provisions.

Mr Kelebeng explained that it would allow for the full migration of anti-doping responsibilities from the BNSC to a newly proposed, fully independent Anti-Doping Bill, in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and best international practices.

“The current BNSC Act assigns anti-doping responsibilities to the commission, which, while appropriate at the time of enactment, is now inconsistent with international standards,” said Mr Kelebeng.

The dual role, where the BNSC was both promoting sports and overseeing anti-doping enforcement, he said created a conflict and exposed Botswana to risks of non-compliance, reputational harm and potential international sanctions.

Mr Kelebeng stated that this required a clear separation between national sport governing bodies and anti-doping organisations to avoid conflicts of interest.

He described the benefits of the amendments or legal separation as more than a matter of compliance, saying it was a necessary and progressive step for the country’s sporting ecosystem.

The minister outlined the expected benefits, among them, strengthened Anti-Doping governance, saying a fully independent authority would carry out anti-doping activities free from any conflict of interest, increasing credibility and public trust.

He also said there would be international recognition and compliance, saying the changes would align Botswana’s legal framework with the World Anti-Doping Code and the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport.

The minister further said there would be institutional efficiency and clearly defined roles between the BNSC.

“The new Anti-Doping Bill will eliminate duplications, improve coordination, and streamline operations, as well as a refocus BNSC mandate,” he added.

He said by removing regulatory responsibilities, the BNSC could concentrate fully on nurturing talent, promoting participation and supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

The minister also said athlete protection was bound to be enhanced, adding that a specialised anti-doping authority would lead prevention, education and enforcement, protecting athlete health and reinforcing Botswana’s integrity in global sport.

“These reforms ensure our sport system is modern, compliant and capable of supporting clean and successful participation in both local and international competitions,” he said. 

Calling the amendment, a necessary and progressive step, Mr Kelebeng said it positioned Botswana as a responsible and modern sports nation. 

“By strengthening our legal and institutional frameworks, we are investing in the future of our athletes, our reputation and our nation’s standing on the global sports stage,” he said.

 

Mr Kelebeng reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering a clean, fair, and competitive sports environment, adding that the move reinforced Botswana’s global reputation as a responsible sporting nation and is expected to enhance opportunities for its athletes on the world stage. ENDS