Kelebeng ‘presses’ karate leadership
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 9, 2026 06:00
This comes after Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, brokered a solution for Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) leadership to allow the learners from the two styles to compete for slots. The decision was made following a meeting on Tuesday featuring the minister, BOKA board, Kofukan, and BSSU. Kofukan and BSSU were amongst the federations that were expelled from BOKA, and their students were not allowed to participate in national team events following a standoff against the board.
The officials from the two federations will also be permitted to be part of the selections.
However, the two federations were informed that for the athletes to be allowed to take part in the selections, they are required to acquire a valid BOKA membership licence at a cost of P100.
The membership licence shall be issued as provisional (white flag), pending the administration and conclusion of the reconciliation process. BOKA president, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi, confirmed that they have agreed to allow the affected students to participate under a white flag.
This is in line with internationally accepted sporting principles, similar to those applied by the Olympic movement, he noted.
Bakwadi added that the decision is solely in the best interests of the athletes, to ensure their safety, inclusion, and continued development in the sport. “The federations currently associated with these students, Kofukan and BSSU, are expelled former members of BOKA, and therefore not recognised or permitted, or to be represented in any BOKA-sanctioned activities,” he told MmegiSport,
“Allowing students to compete under a white flag is a temporary protective measure and applies strictly for the purposes of national team selections only.
“This ensures that the children are not unfairly disadvantaged during a transition period while they are in the process of aligning with recognised and compliant BOKA member styles.” According to Bakwadi, BOKA remains committed to good governance, child protection, and the growth of karate in Botswana, whilst upholding its constitution, disciplinary decisions, and affiliation requirements.
He said the discussions centred around the growth, unity and governance of karate in Botswana, with a shared vision of promoting fairness, inclusivity and development at all levels.
Meanwhile, Kofukan chief instructor Sensei Otto Tafa revealed that, as disgruntled members, they met Kelebeng last week to complain about the state of affairs at BOKA.
He said they are happy that their students will be allowed to participate in the selections, and that is what they have been pushing for.
Tafa stated that whilst the federations continue to deal with their issues against the BOKA board, what matters is that students have been allowed to participate in national team selections. “Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has been given the mandate to process reconciliation between us and BOKA board. Kelebeng wants to be present at that meeting,” he said.
“We did not want to delve into a lot of issues because we wanted our students to compete. What is worrying is that only two board members, vice president-technical, Union Kgafela and secretary general, Brian Dibotelo, attended the meeting.
“Even last time when BNSC called us for a meeting, the same people attended. That is a concern; it is an indication that our board is not complete. BOKA president and vice president-administration are outside the country.”
Tafa said the secretary general, Othusitse Dick, was dismissed, the vice secretary-general resigned, the treasurer is missing in action, there is no public relations officer, and only one person is in charge of BOKA.
He said it is unfortunate that, as affiliates, they do not have the power to do anything. He said that when the matter is finalised, a strong executive committee must be in place.
“We are also concerned about the introduction of the BOKA membership licence at a cost of P100; it is something that is unconstitutional.
“We pay an annual membership fee of P2, 000 and our students cannot be expected to pay for a license. The decision will lead to other students missing out on selections due to a lack of funds. It is not fair because we might end up leaving them out. If there is no money, BOKA should stop competitions and focus on development this year,” Tafa said.
The national team selections kick off tomorrow with the senior team's first leg and team championships at BOKA Hall in Gaborone.