Bantsi Retains CAA Presidency
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 10, 2018 13:56
Bantsi was elected as the regional athletics leader for the second time in a row after winning the Saturday elections in South Africa.
Bantsi garnered 18 votes against 14 received by Zambia’s Elias Ng’andu Mpondela. His term runs from 2019 to 2023. The vice president is Sarifa Fagilde of Mozambique. Athletics South Africa president, Aleck Skhosana is the new general secretary.
The individual council member is Marie Carole Joana of Mauritius. According to information reaching Sport Monitor, council has abolished the position of treasurer to align it with the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) constitution.
The women’s representative on the CAA council is Norolalovolona Andriamahazo from Madagascar.
Other representatives on the CAA council are Hilmy Said from Comoros and Tendayi Tagara from Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the official address of the regional mother body now changes from Mauritius to South Africa in line with the position of general secretary.
BAA spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said for Bantsi to have retained his position is an indication that he is doing something right for athletics in the region.
He said it also shows that the region believes that Botswana is the hub of athletics. “Countries want to benchmark from us hence they want to be led by Bantsi. By being in the forefront he can easily guide and steer them in the right direction. As an association, we are also looking forward to benefit from him,” he said.
Ramatshaba said Bantsi was given an opportunity to learn the ropes of the regional body and now it is time for him to deliver.
He said they expect the agreements that were reached between International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president, Sebastian Coe and CAA Southern Region during his visit to Botswana to now be implemented.