Record number of women in BNOC race
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 8, 2017 15:44
The elections are scheduled for October 7 at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone. For the first time in the history of BNOC, a woman has thrown her name in the race for presidency. Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego faces Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, Daniel Molaodi, France Mabiletsa and Ookeditse Malesu.
Other women who have shown interest are Naledi Dikgomo-Goulden who will contest for the senior vice president’s position, Keenese Katisenge who is eyeing the first vice president position, Anastacia Tsuna Makwa and Bernadette Masego Moruti, both are in the running for the second vice president’s post. Irene Ntelamo, Grace Gaolaolwe, Tebo Segaise, Yarona Kopano Sharp want the additional members’ positions.
International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) secretary general, Game Mothibi told Mmegi Sport that the numbers of women who are contesting for the elections are unprecedented. She said the candidates should not be seen as just women but seasoned leaders. Mothibi said it is also an indication that sport has made progress when it comes to putting women in leadership positions. “The women were nominated by sport codes and it shows that they appreciate women and believe in them. These women are seasoned sport administrators,” she said. Mothibi said it is not about their number but the quality of leadership they would bring into BNOC. She gave an example of Lebotse-Sebego, saying she has proven herself in many instances that she is a powerful administrator, citing the recent Netball World Cup, which Botswana hosted. She said there was no reason for any of the women candidates to lose the elections, adding the IWG is willing to assist any of the nine candidates with their campaigns.
Meanwhile, BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said members of the BNOC national executive committee (NEC) do not have interest in the elections outcome. He said the committee was appointed by the general assembly. The NEC comprises Bob Lekan (chairperson), Annah Max, Apele Nthusang, Robert Maabong and Lesego Muzila.
Meanwhile, Serufho said elections for the athletes commission would be held tomorrow (Saturday). “They would elect their members, out of which a chairperson is elected. The chairperson is then assigned to serve in the BNOC board,” he said at a press briefing yesterday. The NEC chairperson, Lekan said the verification process was done on Wednesday after the deadline for the submission of nominations was closed. “For somebody to nominate a member of the board, that organisation should be full members of the BNOC including seconders. The nominated candidates must accept the nomination,” he said. Lekan said they had an auditor from the BNOC who assisted them to verify the process. He said the elections would be held under secret ballot.
Other contesting candidates
Senior vice president: Moses Bantsi and Tshepo Sitale
First vice president: Moses Moruisi and Rampa Mosweu
Second vice president: Tshiamo Rantao
Additional members: Boikobo Gaolebalwe, Derrick Musa, Dr. Lesego Sikele and Michael Moroka.