An Incentive Policy marching out of sync
Monday, February 05, 2024 | 30 Views |
Almost two years later, Ross Branch finishes second in the equivalent of motorsport's Olympics, the Dakar Rally and gets P100, 000. The relay team received support from the government, through the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) while there is also assistance through the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC).
There was nothing out of pocket as the athletes' welfare was taken care of by the government. For Branch to go to the Dakar Rally, he has to dig deep into his pockets. Luckily, he is under a factory team which takes care of some of the expenses. The Dakar Rally is acknowledged as one of the toughest, if not the toughest, off-road races on the motorsport calendar. It is the undoubted World Cup of motorsport. Branch has elevated the status of local motorsport and by extension, enhanced the country's image on the international arena. However, the rewards he got are not reflective of this, thanks to an archaic Athletes Incentives Policy.
A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...