Who is in charge at BOKA?
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday October 15, 2022 06:00
The drama has heightened such that even before the ink dries on the paper, one of the parties issues a correspondence. This week, former president, Tshepho Bathai was slapped with a suspension letter over corruption and gross maladministration charges. Bathai’s term in office ended on October 6.
According to the letter, Bathai submitted an invoice dated April 4 to the Botswana National Sport Commission officials to pay for the Lobatse Sports Festival medals to the tune of P20,509 and P1,800 for the branding of medals. “We have on good record the Lobatse Sports Festival was not supposed to be funded from government coffers,” the letter reads. Bathai’s federation, Karate Nomichi Botswana has also been suspended for failing to pay the annual affiliation fee for 2022-2023. According to the suspension letter, Karate Nomichi is also accused of paying for the Lobatse Sports Festival medals through government funds, the same charge Bathai faces. The letter further reveals that in April, Bathai submitted an invoice of P7,562 to the BNSC, which was payment to Happy Soul Adventures, a company that owns Baratani Lodge in Otse.
The interim secretary-general, Othusitse Dick said through the letter the payment was for a personal event under the pretext that it was a BOKA retreat. Bathai is also accused of providing false information to the Registrar of Societies to accept and approve the BOKA constitution on August 30. “You did not hand over BOKA office gadgets and purchase order together with other documents following the letter dated September 29, 2022,” the letter further reads.
Contacted for comment, Bathai told Mmegi Sport that the suspension was null and void. “I have received those letters and the contents are untrue. The retreat that they are talking about was for the executive committee that was held at Baratani Lodge in Otse. The retreat was in January,” he said. Bathai said the interim committee has not given him the right of reply. He said the medals were bought for Lobatse Open under Nomichi as part of the Botswana Karate League. He said it was the same assistance they offered other federations when they hosted events. “I have nothing to hide and I am willing to cooperate with the interim committee. They should be free to engage me in whatever they need. I am aware that some people are saying I am refusing to hand over, that is not true,” Bathai said.
Meanwhile, Karabo Samuel, who belongs to the disposed of Bathai committee, wrote a letter to BNSC CEO, Tuelo Serufho last month, informing him that the special general meeting held by some BOKA affiliates was unconstitutional and that any resolutions therefrom are of no force. “The BOKA constitution on Article 15.3 guides that an SGM may be called by the executive committee or general membership. The meeting was called by one member who the executive committee had written back on the proper procedure,” the letter reads.
Samuel said through the letter that the Registrar of Societies was made aware of the unfortunate development. “We wish to inform you that the executive committee has served the Registrar of Societies with notification of intrusion by your committee. We shall remain the legal BOKA executive committee pending a verdict by the Registrar,” Samuel said. Interim public relations officer, Keorapetse Dube said no verdict will come from the Registrar of Societies. “Those people are just wasting time. They should just go to court. We have paid a lawyer and he is ready for them. Tell them to stop delaying tactics and take this matter to court,” he said.
It has emerged that Kofukan Botswana has distanced itself from the Special General Meeting that appointed the interim committee.
The letter written by Otto Tafa stated that the federation did not send any representative to the meeting. However, George Tshikare and Kemmonye Seletamotse were present at the meeting representing Kofukan.