Makwala eyes Athletes Commission Chairmanship
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday October 15, 2025 06:00
The committee comprises Makwala (athletics), Tracy Chaba (volleyball), Aratwa Kasemang (boxing), Thabile Pilane (fencing), Omogolo Setlalekgosi (badminton) while Onkabetse Nkobolo is the representative for athletes with disabilities.
The BNOC board will, in due course, appoint two additional members to complete the eight-member Botswana Athletes Commission.
Once the full Commission is in place, members will elect their chairperson.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Makwala said he could only talk about Athletes Commission after being elected its chairperson.
“I am happy to be in the Athletes Commission but my focus is being the chairperson. That is when I can talk about it,” he said.
Nkobolo noted that representing Athletes with Disabilities in the Commission means being a voice for those who are often unheard.
“It is about ensuring that their challenges, abilities and dreams are recognised and included in decision making processes. It is not just a position, it is a responsibility to push for equality, accessibility and dignity for all,” he said.
Nkobolo added that the immediate issues that need to be addressed are sport for People with disabilities regarding accessibility, funding, awareness, and inclusion. He explained that many sporting facilities are still not disability-friendly, which limits participation.
“There is also lack of financial support and equipment adapted for athletes with disabilities. Awareness and recognition remain low, and this affects opportunities for athletes to compete and develop,” Nkobolo said.
He added that inclusion must go beyond participation, it should mean equal representation in decision making, coaching and leadership roles within sport organisations.
For her part, Kasemang said being on the Commission is an opportunity to be representing the voice of athletes by making sure that their concerns and ideas are heard, in order to grow Botswana sport.
“I think we first need to sit down and do our analysis on the concerns of all the athletes across all sporting codes, to see what needs to be done.
“The first thing is to bridge the gap in terms of communication because a lot of times many athletes have concerns but do not know whom to go to,” she said.