The members submitted the letter to the JKA executive committee and the technical board where they raise several complaints. The affiliates want the committee to call a Special General Meeting (SGM) to address the pressing issues. “The SGM shall look into the general wellbeing of the federation, including financial status.
That at least five members of the executive committee having resigned in a time less than a year in office is a sign of an unhealthy federation and a serious cause for concern.
Your office has nonetheless kept mum about this,” the letter reads. The members complained that there is no communication with the general membership and the powers of the chairperson regarding co-opting. JKA executive committee was voted into office in January and the marketing vice chairperson, Tshepo Mbulawa resigned in May.
According to the letter he was reinstated without the members being informed. The treasurer, Gosego Mongologa and vice technical chairperson, Keone Kgorotlhe resigned in May.
Additional member, Thabang Lesole, resigned in June while another additional member, Segametsi Chaloba resigned in August. Malebogo Roberts (vice chairperson-administration) resigned in September. The members said they only learnt about the resignations when they needed assistance from the concerned committee members.
The executive committee is said to have informed the members about the resignations after they were asked about the development. The members said the resignations meant there is no executive committee with only two people left. “The treasurer has long resigned but money continues to be spent. Who will account? The members are threatened when they make comments that the leadership does not agree with during meetings,” the letter reads. The complainants said there is a pending issue regarding payments that were made by black belt holders for grading but it seems the money never reached Japan. According to the letter, the certificates from Japan never arrived.
The executive committee was cautioned that if they do not call or postpone the SGM within 21 days, the committee will be deemed null, void and none existent. The letter was signed by 11 clubs namely, Mamarema, Chobe Re Ba Bona Ha, Watashi-No Centre, Dojo Ken, Lobsec, BUIST, Sbrana, Young Masters, Lehutshelo, Jitte, and Tshimologo.
JKA chairperson, Lere Basupang told Mmegi Sport that she does not want to use the media as a platform to exchange words with the clubs. “Yes, I have received the letter and they gave me 14 days to respond. I am still within that time frame. They have also written to the technical committee so that is confusion on their part.
But I have requested the technical committee to intervene in these issues. I think it is important for us to discuss issues with sober minds rather than rushing to the media,” she said. Basupang said the whole issue smacks of politics and she does not want to be part of them. However, she said the issues would be addressed during an Ordinary General Meeting in January. When asked about the Japanese payment, Basupang said some time back, the matter divided JKA, which led to the formation of Karate Nomichi. Basupang said she used the money that was raised from a tournament to pay for the certificates.
