The current executive committee came into power after toppling the previous leadership in 2022. Things took a twist last week when the BOKA vice secretary, Francois Alberts, sent out a letter to three affiliates, being Kofukan, Ryushin-Kan and Shitoryu-Shukokai Union, titled Show Cause Notice for Actions Contravening karate regulations. Responding to the letter, Shitoryu-Shukokai chairperson, Keorapetse Mogopodi, said his letter is a response to the letter from BOKA in which they are accused of contravening karate regulations. “This lack of clarity hinders our ability to adequately address the concerns raised. To ensure a fair and transparent process, we respectfully request a copy of the complete and up to date BOKA regulations.
This will enable us to fully understand the applicable rules and regulations and prepare a comprehensive response. The Special General Meeting (SGM), called for by a duly signed petition representing 2/3 majority of the BOKA membership as per the BOKA constitution, is valid and will proceed as scheduled,” Mogopodi said through the letter. He said the General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of BOKA, has explicitly directed the reinstatement of Karate Nomichi Botswana and Goju-Ryu as members of the association. He argued that the BOKA executive committee’s disregard for the directive undermines the democratic principles of the association and constitutes a serious breach of trust. Mogopodi said the committee’s actions, including the disregard for the General Assembly’s decision, demonstrate a lack of transparency, accountability, and respect for the democratic process within BOKA. He said the action has eroded the trust and confidence of a significant portion of the BOKA membership in the current leadership.
