mmegi

A bid destined to suffer embarrassing collapse

Futile effort: Signing of MoU between Botswana and Namibia for AFCON bid PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Futile effort: Signing of MoU between Botswana and Namibia for AFCON bid PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

When Botswana and Namibia announced their intentions to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations showpiece, there was overwhelming optimism and the move was hailed as a radical step towards sports and infrastructure development. But today, the mood has significantly changed after Namibia left Botswana in the lurch. But was the bid destined to fail from the onset, ponders Mmegi Staffer, CHAKALISA DUBE

On Wednesday, Namibia announced its shock withdrawal from the joint bid which became known as BONA 2027. The neighbouring country cited budgetary constraints and competing priorities.

Plans to bid for the 2017 AFCON received collective support from members of the public and various stakeholders. It was even widely predicted that Botswana and Namibia stood a good chance of winning the rights to host the 2027 tournament as CAF has been leaning more towards joint bids in recent years.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up