According to a letter dated September 30, 2024, written by UFAK Region South president, Joe Rugwete to the BOKA president, Mpho Bakwadi, the regional committee was left with no other option but to withdraw BOKA's hosting rights. “As you are aware, we have reached out to your organisation several times via email and WhatsApp regarding this matter. Notwithstanding the fact that this decision and requirements were communicated at the congress in Namibia in your presence in June. In July, we officially notified you of the offer and requested a letter of support from your sports authorities, along with details about your proposed venue.
In that communication, we asked for a response by August 30,” the letter reads. Rugwete said, unfortunately, despite sending a follow-up email on September 6, and another one on September 19, where they extended the deadline to September 23, there was no response received. He said on September 24, another letter was issued asking BOKA to show cause by September 27 why the event should not be withdrawn from Botswana. “Regrettably, despite these numerous attempts, we still have not received any official response from your office. The successful preparation and execution of such a prestigious event, which involves officials from UFAK and World Karate Federation (WKF), require clear commitment,” Rugwete said.
In his letter, dated September 30, Bakwadi raised concern about the decision that has been taken by the Region 5 executive committee to withdraw hosting rights from Botswana. “We believe that the decision is unfair, particularly considering that we have been awaiting formal confirmation from Region 5 regarding the specific areas in which the region will assist,” Bakwadi said. He said Botswana had the potential to successfully host the 2025 African Karate Federation (UFAK) Region South Karate Championships.
