The Southern African Dance Sport Federation’s annual General Meeting held over the weekend in Gaborone is said to have produced fruitful results. Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms. Ntsili Motsieloa, the President of SADSF, noted that this year’s AGM was productive and had produced better results than the previous ones.
“This year’s AGM was so different and we have managed to come up with productive results. We have managed to come up with a clear picture of where we are from and where we are heading to as a sport. Our strategic plan was shallow and we are now aware of what we need to do,” she said. She explained that the levels of commitment from federation members has also grown, adding that “there is a special commitment from members, and everyone is now realizing the need to work together as a team for the development of the sport. We are geared at creating a positive image for our sport”.
Motsieloa explained that the main challenge facing their sport code is the lack of recognition by people.
“Dance sport is seen as a minority sport; people view it as an activity rather than as one of the sports codes around. However, by being recognized by the International Committee and also being affiliated to the Supreme Council for Sport In Africa (SCSA) Zone VI, we hope the perception the dance sport had will change. Our biggest vision is to be ultimately included in Olympic games,” Motsieloa said.
She added that they are also thwarted by funds.
“From our AGM, we have come up with immediate measures to help improve the challenges facing dance sport in the region. We have agreed on creating a website for the Federation where everything regarding the sport will be put up for public consumption. We are also going to post on our calendar of events,” she said, adding that in regards to funds, they were going to draw up a strategic plan where they will clearly indicate what they are planning to do to raise funds as the Federation needs to survive on its own.
Botswana National Sports Council Executive Secretary Karabo Kemoabe advised the Federation to continue being part of the international structures, adding that they are what the sport needs to break into the international world of sport.
“As an Olympic sport, dance sport should have by now been part of the activities at the Olympics. You cannot afford to be on the sidelines forever. It is, therefore, incumbent upon yourselves as countries to see your full representation at those levels,” he said.
Andrew Kamanga, operations Manager, Botswana National Olympic Council, also urged the Federation to market itself aggressively stating that there is no advertising other than activities.
“Visit various institutions and encourage them to pump little money into the dance sport. Without activities, there is no sport,” Kamanga said.
He explained that the Federation might also consider hosting open days, exhibitions and also offer their services to social activities as a way of marketing themselves.
“Sports against crime are also good initiatives in helping the sport grow. This is basically to take youngsters from the streets and using probabilities, it is a good starting point for development of the sport,” he said.
Kemoabe further expressed his satisfaction at the way things are going in Botswana with respect to Dance sport. He stated that besides BODANSA having affiliated to them in the past year, their file is already as pregnant as that of affiliates that have been around for years.
“They are a common feature at our offices and a year after affiliating to BNSC, they attained affiliation to the Botswana National Olympic Committee, thus qualifying them for consideration for participating at the Olympics, once the sport is enlisted,” he said.
He urged the rest of the countries in the Zone either to equal this or to surpass it.
