Netball in financial audit dilemma
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 6, 2020 14:48
The report was to be submitted before the 2019 Netball World Cup held in Liverpool last July.
However, according to information reaching Mmegi Sport, the financial report that was submitted to Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) and International Netball Federation (INF) was not audited. Reports indicate that the event resulted in financial losses and BONA could not afford an auditor. “BNSC was to audit the report since all the funds from government for the event were distributed to suppliers using BNSC processes,” said a source. Speaking during a press conference this week, BONA president, Malebo Raditladi said they face a challenge regarding the 2017 audit. She said the matter is no longer about netball.
“We are wondering if we would benefit when South Africa hosts the Netball World Cup 2023. They had hinted that they want us to be part of the legacy project. They might argue that Botswana has not done the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup audit,” she said.
Raditladi said the BONA subvention for 2019 was going to be used to cover the 2017 debts. “We had to establish who was the guarantor and it was the government. It is up to the guarantor to make sure that all debts are paid, not BONA,” she said.
BNSC chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo said they are in touch with BONA regarding the matter.
“It is in our interest that they submit the audit, as Botswana was the one hosting the event,” he told Mmegi Sport. Sedimo said they are aware that there are a few sport codes, which are still behind in submitting their annual returns with the Registrar of Societies, especially at club level. He said BONA was doing all it could to make sure that their clubs are compliant.
He said sports associations have the responsibility to take any action they deem necessary against any club that does not comply as per their constitution.