Some affiliates wanted to pass a vote of no confidence on the committee through the special meeting. BOKA vice secretary-general, Francois Alberts, wrote letters to individual affiliates who had signed a letter calling for the SGM. The affiliates that received the letters are Kofukan, Ryushin-Kan, and Shito-Ryu Shukokai. Through the letter, Alberts accused the federations of engaging in activities that contravene the regulations and principles of BOKA. The affiliates wrote a letter to BOKA on December 12, 2024, but the correspondence, calling for an SGM, was only received on January 13. “Specifically, we are addressing the following serious concerns, collaboration with non-BOKA members: the letter received indicates that your federation 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 BOKA regulations and compromise the integrity of our governing structure,” the letter reads.
Alberts said the letter attempted to destabilise the current executive committee members. He noted that members of the federations have taken actions aimed at undermining the authority and functionality of the current executive, creating instability and bringing the support into disrepute. “These actions reflect a disregard for unity, stability, and proper governance of karate in Botswana. Such behaviour threatens to tarnish the reputation of all affiliated members and institutions under BOKA. You are hereby required to provide a detailed written explanation within 14 days from the date of this letter,” Alberts stated. According to a source, although the BOKA president Mpho Bakwadi refused the SGM, affiliates will proceed with the meeting. “He cannot stop us from holding the SGM, it is our constitutional right. Even if he does not show up, we will proceed. Remember, when they removed the previous committee, they did that in conjunction with a suspended member in 2022,” the source said. The official went on to say that the letters written to affiliates by Alberts are meant to scare them but that will not stop the clubs from pushing for the SGM.
