The nation has lately grappled with a succession of doping transgressions involving notable athletes such as Lydia Jele, Thalosang Tshireletso, and Nijel Amos, as well as retired figure, Amantle Montsho. Additionally, incidents have been documented in motorsport and football.
The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) president, Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, voiced concerns regarding the surge in doping cases during the virtual BNOC Annual General Assembly (AGA) over the weekend. “Doping remains a major concern, especially for a small population such as our country's. Botswana has turned into a hot spot for doping cases after a high number of doping rules violations,” he remarked.
Tshenyego elucidated that the activities of the National Anti-Doping (NADO) officers remained intensive throughout the year, with a particular focus on stakeholder engagement. Education has been identified as pivotal to the success of the office and its undertakings.
“Several educational programmes for members were completed, including rugby, tennis, and badminton. However, concerted efforts are required to enhance awareness of both the office and its activities to ensure the successful fulfilment of its mandate,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, financial challenges persistently afflict the BNOC. Tshenyego underscored that the organisation faces a direct challenge concerning its financial position. He remarked that the subvention, as opposed to general expenditure needed in the ordinary course of business, has proven inadequate for several years.
“The increasingly difficult financial environment that we find ourselves in as a country, coupled with rising inflationary pressure, necessitates that measures be taken in earnest to ensure that the National Olympic Committee (NOC) remains at the helm of elite sport and can deliver adequate services as needed by our athletes,” Tshenyego said. For her part, BNOC acting CEO, Tebogo Kesupile, conveyed to the assembly that financial sustainability continues to be of paramount importance given the persistent pressures from an increasingly expensive macro-economic climate in the country. She stated that the organisation has proactively taken steps to ensure the financial viability of the organisation as a going concern.
“The BNOC has, therefore, had to be proactive, in spite of limited financial outlay, in driving certain key initiatives with respect to the diversification of revenue streams. Our flagship cornerstone campaign, ‘The First, The Best, The Number 1’ is to be rolled out with a full roadshow anticipated for the first quarter of 2024,” Kesupile said. She added that there is a significant improvement in the budgeting environment within BNOC, with the implementation of monitoring expenditure against the budget achieving a 100% completion rate.
