An official of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has lamented continued interference and meddling by officers of Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC). Speaking at the association’s elective congress over the weekend, Patrick Moesi, outgoing Secretary General, called on the BNSC to rein-in staff members who meddle in the BAA’s internal politics.
He added that the meddling by BNSC staff who have been seconded to the association makes it difficult for the association’s Executive Committee to deliver on its mandate.
“There is a lot of insubordination and political interference by staff who clearly shouldn’t be meddling in the politics of athletics. Their active participation and interference in the association’s internal politics renders them impartial in their conduct of day to day office operations,” said Moesi.
He revealed that in the past year, the BNSC staff’s interference has soured their relations with the BAA executive. He further urged the in-coming executive to take stern action against BNSC officers who meddle in the association’s internal politics.
“You must not allow them to meddle in your affairs. I also encourage the mother body to rein in these officers and instruct them to stay away from politicking. That is not their mandate and their behaviour compromises and disturbs the smooth running of athletics in Botswana,” said Moesi.
He warned that if left unchecked, the BNSC officers’ conduct will adversely affect athletics and hamper its growth. While Moesi’s impassioned plea seemed out of the blue, many within the BAA were not surprised given what transpired prior to the elective congress. During the heated build up to the elective congress there were allegations of sabotage by one of the BNSC staff officers who was seconded to BAA. The staff member, whose identity is known to this publication, was reported to have orchestrated the entry of a presidential candidate who was challenging the incumbent, Moses Bantsi.
“It’s a well known fact that a BNSC staff member openly supported and campaigned for one of the presidential candidates. In fact he is the one who convinced him to stand. He then tirelessly campaigned and canvassed votes for his preferred candidate from BAA affiliates,” said a source.
Meanwhile, BAA affiliates have retained all but two of the association’s executive; Moesi (former Secretary General) and Ipolokeng Ramatshaba (former Public Relations Officer). While Moesi did not stand for re-election, Ramatshaba lost his bid for re-election to Rowland Masalila. The current BAA Executive committee will continue to be led by Bantsi as President and Glody Dube as Vice President. Other members of the Executive are:
Kebaitse (Secretary General), Olebogeng Oitebetse (Vice Secretary General), Brian Mosweu (Treasurer) as well as Moses Raphutshe and Mompati Ngwako (Additional Members).
