'BNSC/BNOC merger far-fetched'
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 11, 2020 13:06
There have been widespread reports that the two bodies could amalgamate, in a bid to reduce duplication of roles.
The appointment of Tuelo Serufho as acting BNSC chief executive officer (CEO) had further fuelled the speculation.
However, Kgosietsile told Mmegi Sport this week that there could never be a merger between BNOC and BNSC.
“The two entities both deal with sport and their mandates and basis of existence are not the same. BNOC is a non-governmental entity drawing its existence from the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” he observed.
Kgosietsile said BNSC is a government entity and its mandate could be varied with Botswana Long Term Athlete Development Framework (LTAD).
The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC), Tumiso Rakgare did not respond to Mmegi Sport inquiries on the matter.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Serufho, a BNSC board member, as the sport body’s CEO has raised eyebrows.
Kgosietsile said he was not privy to what informed the decision to appoint Serufho.
“I take it that they took the decision bearing in mind issues of governance,” Kgosietsile said.
BNSC chairperson, Marumo Morule justified the decision. He said Serufho has been seconded by BNOC to act as caretaker CEO at BNSC.
“During the time he is caretaker at BNSC, he would temporarily relinquish his position as board member and would be ex-officio Board member just like the current BNSC CEO,” Morule said.
He stated that both BNSC and BNOC boards approved the process. Morule said Serufho as caretaker CEO, would be expected to advise the board like any other CEO would.
He said the current scenario is that Falcon Sedimo is handing over to Serufho on Independence Day (September 30).
Sedimo’s contract comes to an end after he served the BNSC for five years.
When asked if Serufho would not be conflicted, Morule said he does not believe that would be the case.
“I do not think he would be conflicted, if the board anticipated that, he would not have been appointed caretaker CEO. The minister is always consulted as prescribed and as and when critical decisions are taken
that require him to be consulted,” Morule said.