Karate wars come full circle

Troubled times: Bathai's reign faces a stern test. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Troubled times: Bathai's reign faces a stern test. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Since 2015, the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has increasingly been embroiled in trouble. It has become taboo for the karate executive committee to complete its term without being kicked out. The office bearers have perfected the art of rubbing affiliates the wrong way, reports CALISTUS KOLANTSHO

An atmosphere of uncertainty is circling the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Tshepho Bathai. The late firebrand opposition leader, Kenneth Koma once said, ‘lo ntshetse morago mme ga lo ntlhaloganye'. Loosely translated he meant that people followed him yet without fully understanding him. Maybe the karate community needed to dig deeper to understand how their man operates.

Bathai was first pushed out in 2015 and David Mathe came onboard as interim president. Montshwari Motlogelwa, Mpho Bakwadi, Lere Basupang and Sidney Maruping were part of Mathe's interim committee. In 2017, Bathai made a comeback as he was elected president by the affiliates. However, Bathai dropped a bombshell in June when he informed affiliates he will step down in October.

Editor's Comment
Bulela Ditswe entry fee could hamper broke talent

The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up