As per the customary practice preceding the AGM, BOKA affiliates submit motions for discussion at the general assembly. The Kofukan Federation, represented by its acting chief instructor Sensei Otto Tafa, has submitted a motion of no confidence against BOKA president, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi.
"This motion is based on your failure to uphold and defend the BOKA constitution. The constitution states that an AGM should be held in June. You have failed to ensure that this happens. You have failed to present BOKA financials.
You have failed to appoint BOKA commissions," the letter reads. Tafa alleges that Bakwadi led the suspension of Karabo Samuel and Dick Tshepang, and the expulsion of former BOKA president, Tshepho Bathai.
He also accuses Bakwadi of orchestrating the expulsion of Karate Nomichi without following the appropriate procedure. "It has come to our attention that Karate Nomichi has paid its membership fee and informed BOKA of the same. BOKA has not responded to the letter," the letter continues. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Tafa explained that the call for Bakwadi's removal was not made in bad faith. He stressed that when the executive committee was entrusted with leading the association, high expectations were placed upon them.
However, the current situation reveals that the executive committee lacks clarity regarding their responsibilities, leading to internal conflicts. "We want karate back to where it belongs, at the top. We are tired of unending conflicts within the association. If the executive committee cannot reconcile, they should go because even some individuals within the executive are unhappy," he said. Tafa emphasised that Bakwadi and Bathai should find a way to reconcile, as this would be a significant achievement for BOKA.
He said continuously changing leadership without a clear vision is not conducive to progress. Kofukan has also submitted a motion calling for the general assembly to endorse reconciliation between the current and previous committees. "If the motion is adopted, Kofukan will request an appointment of mediators who will lead the reconciliation process. We want us to deal with our issues as karate, not the courts," the motion outlines.
Tafa expressed concern that the situation within BOKA is deteriorating, citing the recent national junior karate team's participation in the 2023 UFAK Senior, Junior, and Cadet Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, as an example. He questioned the selection process for both athletes and coaches and the appointment of a senior national team coach to oversee the junior team. "We were wondering how the selection was done for both athletes and coaches. You cannot have a senior national team coach in charge of the junior team.
We should find a way to sort ourselves out. That is my plea to the karate community," he said. Regarding allegations that some federations intend to establish their own association, Tafa suggested that it is premature. "It is a rushed idea, people should learn to be patient, discuss and find a solution. When that fails, that is when they can start thinking of walking out.
The BNSC (Botswana National Sport Commission) should also start handling issues before they get out of hand," Tafa said. According to information received by Mmegi Sport, three federations are planning the formation of a new karate association.
