In turn, the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) said Shokukai, one of the oldest styles, had been suspended. According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, as part of preparations for elections, BOKA wrote a letter to the Registrar in January requesting for affiliates membership status. The Registrar responded by stating that all societies are still active except Botswana Shokukai Karate Union that did not appear in their records. BOKA is said to have suspended Shokukai until March 31. BOKA president, Tshepho Bathai said all BOKA affiliates are in good standing except Shokukai. He said the club has been suspended. “The Federation does not exist. We want them to comply and that is when they would be given back their membership. If they fail, after the deadline action would be taken against them,” he said. Bathai added being struck off the database at Registrar of Societies has nothing to do with BOKA. Shokukai chairperson and former BOKA president, David Mathe said they were shocked by the association’s decision. “We are one of the oldest styles in the country, but it is surprising that the association was too quick to suspend before we could get an opportunity to find out what is going on with our compliance at Registrar of Societies. It is unfortunate that nowadays people in sport do not act in good faith,” he said.
Mathe explained that the Registrar has informed them that they are still looking for Shokukai file but as a style, they have records that indicate that they exist. He pointed out that in the past, some styles did not comply but they were never suspended. “Suspension is a stiff decision for an affiliate, it should be the last decision after all avenues have been exhausted. You see, such emotional decisions make karate dirty. However, I think this is because we are on the eve of elections,” he said. Mathe wondered what makes Bathai think Shokukai would not vote for him.
