According to the suspension letter written by vice secretary-general, Francois Alberts, BOKA has found sufficient grounds to take disciplinary action against Botswana Shito-Ryu Shukokai Union Federation and the Botswana Kofukan Federation as a whole. “Your involvement in the following actions has been deemed a direct violation of BOKA’s rules and principles: 1: Collaborating with non-BOKA members in an attempt to undermine the leadership and structure of the Association, 2: Engaging with media houses in a manner that has brought BOKA and the sport of karate into disrepute. These actions are not only in breach of the Association’s regulations but also compromise the integrity, unity and reputation of the Botswana Karate Association,” the letter reads. Alberts said effective immediately, Shito-Ryu Shukokai and Kofukan are suspended from all activities associated with BOKA until further notice. “During this suspension period, you are prohibited from representing, engaging or participating in any events or activities under BOKA’s jurisdiction. This decision is final and will remain in effect unless overturned by due process through the appropriate disciplinary channels,” he said through the letter.
Currently, suspended BOKA Federations are No Michi, Goju-Ryu, Kofukan and Shukokai. BOKA had sent a Show Cause notice to Kofukan and Shukokai, requesting them to explain why they should not be suspended after being part of a petition that was calling for a motion of no confidence against BOKA committee. In their response, the two federations stated that the Show Cause notice failed to state which specific regulations of BOKA they were alleged to have contravened. Speaking to SportMonitor, Shito-Ryu Shukokai chief instructor, Ookeditse Malesu, said they are disregarding the suspension. He said they cannot be persecuted for fighting for their rights especially at a time when the BOKA committee does not form a quorum. Malesu said they asked about the whereabouts of other committee members such as secretary-general, vice president-administration, treasurer, and public relations officer but there is no answer. “We are going ahead with the Special General Meeting (SGM) next weekend, because we cannot continue to operate this way. We have the numbers needed to pass the motion of no confidence.
