Battle-weary karate yearn for peace
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday September 23, 2023 06:00
During a recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), delegates called for reconciliation between Mpho Bakwadi and Tshepho Bathai. Shitoryu Shukokai’s chief instructor, Ookeditse Malesu, emphasised the need for peace within karate.
“We have known each other for many years. The tension between the former and current leadership can be addressed amicably. I will assist in engaging karate elders to address the issue between Bathai and Bakwadi,” he said.
In his response, Bakwadi expressed his desire for peace with Bathai but cautioned delegates about BOKA’s current situation.
“The case is before the court, and there is nothing we can do.
We should defend ourselves when the case comes up on September 28. There are already expenses, and we appreciate your reconciliation efforts. As it stands, we cannot find sponsors due to our ongoing dispute.
“When you look at it, you cannot understand what we are fighting for because we are not benefiting anything, and they are also not benefiting anything,” Bakwadi said. He also highlighted the negative impact on students and warned that if karate faced suspension after a warning from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), it would be detrimental.
“I propose that the first step towards reconciliation should be to withdraw the court case. The money that has been spent on this case could have been used for development,” he said. Bakwadi disclosed that the BNSC had spent over P200,000 on legal expenses. Furthermore, Malesu added that regardless of the court’s decision, the BNSC could still suspend BOKA.
He noted that it also means Bakwadi and Bathai might not see eye-to-eye for the rest of their lives.
When asked if he is ready to reconcile with Bakwadi, Bathai told Mmegi Sport that he does not have issues with him. “I do not know if he hates me or not. Remember, I am the one who appointed him on many occasions for different roles including being part of the different Local Organising Committees (LOC) and chairperson of the referees’ commission on many occasions.
I am the one who sent him on many courses and international assignments,” Bathai said.
Regarding the court case, Bathai clarified that it was lodged by former secretary-general, Karabo Samuel. The applicants in the case are Samuel, Bathai, Samuel Dire, and David Hobona.
“I do not hate Tshepho, he is my brother. But like I said during the AGM, it is difficult to talk about reconciliation because there is a court case hanging. We are talking about legal costs here,” Bakwadi said. Meanwhile, delegates also called for the suspension of secretary-general, Othusitse Tshepang Dick, as part of a motion. Keorapetse Mogopodi urged accountability from Bakwadi.
“This is an administrative issue, and it has taken too long to be resolved,” he said. For his part, Thupa Thupa emphasised the need for a swift resolution, given Dick’s continued presence on the executive committee.