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Basupang’s story of pain and betrayal

Standing together: Basupang and wife, Lere have been through the karate journey together
Standing together: Basupang and wife, Lere have been through the karate journey together

He has always been a prominent figure in karate circles, regarded as reserved and calm. For many years, it has been my wish to have a tete-a-tete with the man who has seen it all in karate but largely remains a closed book. This week, Mmegi Staffer, CALISTUS KOLANTSHO finally caught up with Steady Basupang for a sit-down interview

Under the chilly winter morning weather, I come face to face with Basupang at a local eatery. He indicates that he has been aware of my interest in his story, as we settle down. He believes that he has no story to share, but to me this is an unsung hero in local sport. A fortnight ago, Basupang dropped a bombshell when he resigned from Japan Karate Association (JKA) Botswana. A week after his resignation, his wife, Lere who was the chairperson also resigned.

When asked about the reasons behind his resignation, Basupang takes a long pause, stares into space and says it was no longer worth it.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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