Search for Raditladi's successor begins

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday August 1, 2013 00:00

 

Days after Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) chief executive officer Percy Raditladi resigned, the council has begun the search for his successor.Raditladi joined the BNSC last September, ending a frantic search for Kitso Kemoeng's successor.He resigned this week citing ill health. In fact it is reported that following a stabbing incident in Gaborone two months ago, Raditladi has not fully recovered and had confided with BNSC chairperson Solly Reikeletseng weeks back that he wanted to quit.On Tuesday evening, Reikeletseng confirmed Raditladi's departure. Raditladi's exit opens the door for a fresh search for a new secretariat head. Reikeletseng said they expect the position to be filled on September 1 after an advert runs in the press next week.

Before Raditladi's appointment, Sports and Recreation director Falcon Sedimo and former boxer, France Mabiletsa were linked to the post. Meanwhile, Reikeletseng has paid glowing tribute to Raditladi.He told Mmegi Sport that Raditladi was the best person he had worked with. 'He is the greatest man I have had an opportunity to work with.We were always in sync. Challenges will always be there, but we were a great team. It gives me hope that Africa has talented people,' Reikeletseng said.'He disliked corruption and believed in procedure. For sports to lose someone like him is a big blow'. Raditladi had previous stints at Kgalagadi Breweries and also headed security company, G4S in Nigeria.

He rates the BNSC job as the most exciting challenge he has ever undertaken. Raditladi told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he enjoyed his time at BNSC, adding that he learnt a lot about human behaviour.'It is hectic at BNSC with the day starting very early and ending late. One has to deal with personal agendas as well as staff issues. If you are not well, you cannot cope,' Raditladi said, adding that he expects to fully recover in nine months. He had to undergo an elaborate operation after criminals attacked him in Broadhurst, leaving him with a stab wound in the abdomen.  A respected administrator who was trying his hand in sports for the first time, Raditladi did not rule out a return to the council. 'As long as they change their systems, there is no problem in coming back. It is a lion's den; unpredictable with a lot of politicking. I was not there for the money, but I wanted to understand the government environment'.

While he has been hailed for trying to root out corruption at the BNSC, Raditladi said it would be na•ve for an individual to think that they can stop the vice. 'If you think you can stop the corruption, you are na•ve.But as long as there are Batswana prepared to change that, some day we will get there,' he said.In his view, the BNSC has lost its power and is declining in terms of appeal. He urged Reikeletseng to be brave and take drastic decisions to turn the situation around.