Karate told to follow hosting procedure
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 23, 2018 15:06
Reikeletseng said this when addressing the third Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week.
His remarks come in the wake of an ongoing tussle with the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) over the hosting of next year’s Africa Karate Championships.
BNSC has rejected BOKA’s application to host the continental event, arguing the karate body flouted hosting procedure.
“Hosting should be done in accordance with the BNSC Hosting Policy. Normal procedure is that you should request for permission from the BNSC to host and you should be granted such permission before you can initiate any activities,” he said.
Reikeletseng told the delegates that upon receipt of the request, it is passed to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC) with recommendations.
The chairperson said MYSC also seeks authority from Cabinet. He added that until Cabinet grants permission to host, no work could go on.
“Hosting is a national commitment that needs commitment of resources from government. It is not an alien arrangement, but best international practice (needs to apply),” he added.
BOKA members held a meeting over the weekend where they were informed of the BNSC’s decision to turn down their request. However, all hope is not lost as a meeting to try and resolve the matter was scheduled for this week.
BOKA hosting saga timeline:
April 18, 2017: BOKA receives communication from UFAK on hosting opportunities for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The decision was to be taken on June 1, 2017 in Cameroon.
April 21, 2017: BOKA writes to BNSC showing interest in hosting one of the UFAK championships, seeking advice on hosting.
ªMay 24, 2017: BNSC writes to BOKA advising it to consider 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. BOKA writes to UFAK showing interest to host in 2019, as it would assist the country in qualifying for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
June 1, 2017: UFAK grants BOKA permission to host 2019 championship. BOKA reports back to BNSC on successful hosting bid. BNSC assists BOKA with applications for VISA for visiting UFAK team for inspection of facilities and meetings with BNSC. BOKA hosted many meetings to put a package together for BNSC board approval. BOKA had secured eight sponsors including over P500,000 from the World Karate Federation (WKF). They also envisaged that the participating 40 countries will each spend on average P400,000. The University of Botswana had availed the indoor sport centre and 500 beds for accommodation.
August 28, 2018: BOKA attends UFAK championship in Kigali, Rwanda and announced as the next host of the championship. A scheduled visit planned for December 1-5, 2018 by WKF and UFAK vice president, Bechir Cherif. (BNSC bought plane tickets.)
October 3, 2018: BOKA is invited for presentation before the Games Hosting and Events Committee.
October 4, 2018: The committee gives a positive feedback that they support BOKA hosting.
October 25, 2018: BNSC board rejects BOKA hosting without giving a reason and orders them to halt everything and cancel VISA requests for Cherif.
October 30, 2018: BNSC rejects request to attend World Congress and a meeting with WKF president, Commonwealth meeting and signing ceremony for the UFAK 2019 sponsorship.
October 31, 2018: BNSC writes to BOKA stating the reason for rejecting the application is lack of required funds, which is P950,000. Meanwhile, Hayashi Ha chairperson, Mpho Bakwadi warns that if nothing is done to convince BNSC, the country would be penalised.