Swimming body, club at loggerheads
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday April 15, 2023 06:00
In a letter dated April 5, the BSSA had indicated the disciplinary hearing was due to take place on Tuesday virtually but did not happen. BSSA president, Andrew Freeman wrote the letter to Stingrays' secretary-general, Nyarai Gondo informing her of the disciplinary proceedings.
The club was charged with spreading false information after Stingrays indicated its swimmers had been suspended by the BSSA "unconstitutionally and maliciously". The second charge relates to bringing the name of the BSSA into dispute.
Stingrays engaged affiliates and the mother body claiming that the BSSA does not follow the constitution including stating that the association is victimising individual swimmers.
Another charge relates to acting against the legitimate work of the BSSA where Stingrays is said to have purposefully withdrawn from a BSSA event in Francistown to undermine the work of the association and to damage the name of the BSSA. The club is also charged with failing to act in the best interest of swimmers after Stingrays did not allow its swimmers to compete unattached or for a disputing club as directed by the BSSA. BSSA said this was done intentionally in an attempt to force the association to decide in favour of Stingrays.
The club is accused of failing to submit breakdowns for money paid by BSSA towards an event hosted by Stingrays despite reminders. “The BSSA refers Stingrays to (but not limited) the following for preparation of the hearing; Article 9 -termination of membership, article 16 - powers of the management committee, and Article 22 -discipline," Freeman said in the letter.
Stingrays officers who were asked to be present at the hearing were the chairman, treasurer, secretary-general and Mbiganyi Matlapeng. In response, Gondo said the club committee members mentioned in the letter to appear before the BSSA disciplinary committee had no objections to the request. “Unfortunately, the date set for the disciplinary hearing was coinciding with prior commitments already made by the members concerned.
The only person from the committee available was the club chairperson, Gondo Gondo. In light of this, the members will only be availed for a disciplinary hearing on any date from April 23,” the letter reads. Gondo argued that a disciplinary hearing is a serious matter and cannot be held virtually given the fact that documented facts are required to be produced and exchanged between the parties concerned.
She said that is to validate and support both the offences levelled as well as defence statements submitted during the disciplinary hearing. “The Stingrays committee is prepared to travel to Gaborone on a new set date to present ourselves physically before the BSSA disciplinary committee to answer to the offences levelled against the swimming club,” Gondo said through the letter.
She requested BSSA to look for an alternative date for the hearing that will accommodate both parties as all club committee members serve voluntarily and can only avail themselves when time and priorities allow. Gondo said to avoid a lengthy disciplinary hearing, Stingrays sent a precursor document to the BSSA.