Dube resigned in September after an exchange of words with other members of the executive during a heated meeting. There were differences over the payment of affiliation fees by karate style, No Michi Federation. But in a turn of events, Dube wrote to BOKA president, Mpho Bakwadi this week, seeking reinstatement. Dube requested on Monday afternoon, but instead, in the evening, Bakwadi announced the appointment of a new spokesperson, Tlotlo Kebinakgabo. “Following my resignation letter, I officially withdraw my resignation with immediate effect. I have been advised towards reaching this decision hence I saw it fit to withdraw my resignation,” the letter reads. Dube said the executive committee did not bother to respond to his resignation letter, which he interpreted to mean they did not agree with his decision to quit. “I, therefore, see it fit to resume my office duties with immediate effect. No official communication on my resignation was issued to BOKA membership,” Dube said in the letter.
For his part, Bakwadi told MmegiSport that Dube should stop treating the BOKA executive committee like some form of a game, where he can do as he pleases. “This is not a skipping rope, where he can jump in and out as he pleases. I did not respond to his resignation letter because I did not have a chance to do so. Not responding did not mean he could come back and claim the position. (As) the executive committee, we meet once a month and the resignation was not an urgent item,” he said. Bakwadi said Dube’s behaviour is tantamount to indiscipline, which is unacceptable. “He should have approached me on the side, informed me that he wanted to resign, and give me reasons but he just sent a resignation letter. Now he comes back, still through a letter, without talking to me first. He just issues instructions. Such things make karate ungovernable,” he said.
He said it is time to start firing people who misbehave because the role of chief instructors is to develop students, not to be stuck in politics. Bakwadi said he long appointed Kebinakgabo. When asked if the general membership was involved in the appointment, Bakwadi said the BOKA constitution gives him powers to co-opt someone into the executive committee. “The general membership and executive committee can only get involved in appointing when the president quits or if there is no quorum,” Bakwadi said.
