Ramokate says he's no lapdog
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday June 28, 2019 12:38
Ramokate told Mmegi Sport that they both have their roles to play. He explained that there is no possibility of anyone overshadowing the other. When asked if there are National Sport Associations (NSA) who ignore the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) and instead channel their issues straight to the minister, Ramokate said he was not aware of that.
“I am not aware of the affiliates going directly to the minister.
Despite that, NSAs are allowed to appeal to MYSC,” he said. Botswana Golf Union president, Enoch Mushango said grievances from BNSC affiliates should follow the sport governance structure unless there are irreconcilable differences when the complainant can skip a level or levels. However, he said prior notice to the level being skipped to avoid malice or suspicion.
“We have seen situations where individuals, clubs and NSAs skip many levels and go to the minister or even Office of the President for issues that could be easily resolved at appropriate levels,” Mushango said.
“To make matters worse, most stories are cooked to be acceptable and raise emotions high enough to cause irrational action without confirming with the concerned party or parties.” He said it was also a concern that NSAs often fail to address genuine concerns of athletes and they have to be held accountable in an objective manner.
“The same applies to BNSC failing to assist NSAs yet blocking them from raising the issue to a higher level. That is why the conclusion was that by allowing such to happen, we are collapsing governance structures put in place to ensure orderly development and administration of sport,” he added.