Anxiety grips BNSC as job cuts loom
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 5, 2019 12:26
The BNSC has already lost two out of nine directors in recent months, who quit for greener pastures.
Sport development director, Steve Bothasitse and lands and facilities director, Kearabetswe Galebotse left the sport umbrella body recently.
However, BNSC chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo denied any links between the two’s resignations and a drawn out restructuring exercise.
“It is normal for people to look for new opportunities when they are employed elsewhere. There may be various reasons, but not limited to restructuring. It is not unlikely that it could have contributed, however, the exercise still has to be concluded,” he said. But he admitted that there was anxiety amongst employees as the restructuring exercise enters its second year.
“It is without doubt that there is anxiety caused by what the likely outcome may be. This is to be expected and we engaged counselling services from the word go to help calm staff members,” Sedimo said.
Bothasitse was offered a 12-month contract extension, which he rejected. Sedimo said Bothasitse did not resign, but was given an opportunity to extend his contract by 12 months but declined.
Other senior employees were also reportedly offered one-year contracts, with some accepting the offers.
Asked at what stage the BNSC restructuring process was, Sedimo said where they were information cannot be shared with the media until all strategic partners have been briefed. “When the time is right, you would be informed accordingly,” he added. Sedimo said BNSC employees were informed prior to the commencement of the exercise and are still updated on an ongoing basis.Bothasitse quits at a time when an audit for the Region 5 Games Gaborone 2018 was ongoing.
He was the Games’ general manager.Sedimo said Bothasitse would avail himself to ensure that the audit exercise is concluded. Bothasitse said when he left, the internal audit was complete and they were left with the external one.
“We have awarded the audit tender to Grant Thornton and the audit files are ready for them. I would be available if the need arises,” he said.
Bothasitse said according to the host manual from the Africa Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5, the audit should be finalised within three months after the games. He said they are doing things according to AUSC timelines.