Bantsi faces delicate juggling act
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday July 28, 2025 09:49
Bantsi will also serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for next year's World Relays which Gaborone hosts. His appointment with World Relays runs from June 2025 to the end of August 2026. Oabona Theetso will hold fort as BAA president during that period. Whilst there were concerns in some quarters over Bantsi joining politics, the BAA constitution is silent on the matter. The document only states that the association is neutral on matters of politics and religion. Former BAA president, Thari Mooketsi said the association's constitution may be silent on the matter, however, it is up to the general assembly to make a decision on the issue. 'Now that he is in political office, he should remain neutral and non-aligned in athletics matters,' Thari said. Meanwhile, some BAA affiliates want clarity on the issue as they argue, a person holding political office should not be at the helm of the sports body. “We have been trying to make sense of this whole thing but without any luck. The reason we get from the board is that the BAA constitution has not been bridged. We have decided to include that in the constitution in the next General Assembly,” a source said.
The source further said it was disappointing that the Bantsi-led board chose him to be the CEO of the World Relays. “This appointment undermines the basic principles of governance. The appointment of a CEO is one of the most critical components of the success of any event or organisation. It, therefore, cannot be reduced to self-appointment. The CEO provides strategic direction, operational management and reputation of the organisation,” the source said. Botswana National Sport Association (BNSC) board chairperson, Marumo Morule told MmegiSport that sport is non-political. Morule could not be drawn into discussing how the appointment of Bantsi as BNF chairperson will affect his role as World Relays Gaborone '26 CEO. “I cannot comment on that issue. Talk to the minister because I do not want to be entangled in issues beyond my mandate,” Morule said. BAA acting president, Theetso, could not be drawn into commenting on the matter.
For his part, the Minister of Sport and Arts (MoSA), Jacob Kelebeng told MmegiSport that Bantsi is a seasoned sport administrator and politician. “For many years, he has managed to balance the two positions without any hassle. I do not think there will be any challenge,” Kelebeng said.
Kelebeng will on Monday launch the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the competition logo for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone '26. The launch will mark the official start of national activations towards the event scheduled for Botswana on May 2 and 3 next year. Some of the LOC members include Professor Martin Mokgwathi (chairperson), Theetso (vice chairperson), Girish Ramakrishana (finance and procurement), Martin Nkwe (media and broadcasting), Dr Stella Tawana (medical and anti-doping), Kesaobake Moronkwe (risk and compliance), Gosego Nkwe (volunteers), Thatayaone Sebego (team services), Tebatso Omphithetse (events presentation), Lucretia Chima (commercial, marketing and promotions), Dr Comfort Mokgothu (technical, facilities and venues), Malebogo Raditladi-Nkgakile (safeguarding and youth programme), Naledi Lemogang (youth representative), Tiroyaone Sedimo (ex-officio-legal services), and Sipho Kgakole and Katlholo Mosimanagape (safety, security and accreditation). There are also representatives from World Athletics, MoSA, Gaborone City Council, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.