The war between the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) affiliates and the Mpho Bakwadi-led executive committee is far from over as affiliates push ahead with a motion of no confidence.
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.
“We believe that the current BOKA executive committee is no longer fit for office and that a new leadership team is necessary to restore trust, transparency and good governance within the association. We are committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to resolve these issues and ensure a bright future for karate in Botswana,” Mogopodi said in the letter. Meanwhile, Alberts noted that the three federations engaged in activities that contravene the regulations and principles of Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) as per letter dated December 12, 2024, received on January 13, 2025 with regards to a calling of a Special General Meeting (SGM).
“Specifically, we are addressing the following serious concerns, collaboration with non-BOKA members: The letter received that your federations has been working with individuals or organisations that are not recognised or affiliated with BOKA by signing a petition. Such collaborations are in direct violation of the BOKA regulations and compromise the integrity of our governing structures. Attempts to destabilise the current executive members; members of your federations have taken actions aimed at undermining the authority and functionality of the current executive committee, creating instability and brining the sport into disrepute,” Alberts said.
He said the actions reflect a disregard for the unity, stability, and a proper governance of karate in Botswana. The three federations were instructed to respond to the letter within 14 days.