The increase in statistics has been attributed to intensive testing by the Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO). According RADO statistics, Botswana recorded four Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) cases while Angola, Lesotho and Mozambique, Zimbabwe each had one case. Although South Africa managed their programmes independently from RADO Region VI, they recorded 244 cases from various sports codes.
The Botswana athletics was hard-hit as the country saw some its high profile athletes on the wrong side of the doping code. Veteran athlete, Lydia Jele, 400m runners Ditiro Nzamani of Sports View Athletics Club and Pertunia Gaegopolwe of Lions Den were caught offside. Rugby player, Koketso Galetshetse was also provisionally suspended after a positive doping control test. RADO regional manager, Andrew Kamanga, told MmegiSport that they saw a general increase in numbers, meaning the testing is getting intensive. “As RADO anti-doping administrators, we hope that in 2025, more athletes will remain clean and help us to promote clean sport. We will continue to support our member countries in implementing robust doping control testing programmes. More importantly, we want to educate athletes, Athlete Support Personnel (ASP), and parents to create a conducive environment for clean sport,” Kamanga said.
