The victory was decided during a re-run after a tie with his challenger, Boikobo Gaolebalwe. Nonofo Othusitse was the only candidate from Thipe’s camp who received 11 votes to three for Barulaganye Mmolawa. There was also a tie for other positions leading to re-runs where Thipe’s camp continued to dominate. Nchidzi Batisani from Gaolebalwe’s was roped into the executive committee as director of finance unopposed. Vice president-administration is Atang Mokgware who emerged victorious over Clare Mosarwa. Director of coaching and sport development is Bonno Masisi-Makula after picking a win against Millicent Mokubung. The director of tournaments and competitions is Batisani Khiwa who beat Sadie Fourie from Thipe’s camp while Peter Nthele is director of facilities maintenance and development after overpowering Serwalo Lesolame.
Tshepang Tlhankane is the new BTA spokesperson after emerging victorious against Selinah Omphile. Speaking after the getting a new mandate that will see him leading BTA for the next four years, Thipe said elections by their nature divide people into factions. But after the process has passed, those factions must work together for the progress of the sport. “All of us here have one goal, which is to take tennis to a high level. We had challenges during the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) and it has come out clear that we must re look at our constitution. We need to come up with policies that will direct our elections. Most organizations have the constitution and the electoral act which guides how elections should be conducted,” Thipe said. He advised clubs that in the next AGM, one of them should come up with a motion which calls for the amendment of the constitution. Thipe also extended an olive leave branch to Gaolebalwe’s camp, saying they should work together.
Meanwhile, prior to the elections, emotions were running high as the two sides argued on how the elections should be conducted. Gaolebalwe felt that people who were putting pressure on the elections committee were the dissolved committee. “The elections committee should seek assistance from someone with a legal background or even the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) legal advisor can assist. We should avoid situations whereby someone would feel aggrieved by the outcome of the elections and take the legal route. The members of the previous committee have vested interest in the process hence all the delay tactics they are doing,” he said. Banana tennis club delegate, Rosinah Phatshwane complained about the decision that was taken by the executive committee of replacing four members who resigned without informing the affiliates.
