Under-20 coaches left high and dry
Friday, November 26, 2021 | 150 Views |
Victorious: The Under-20 athletics team that competed at the World Championships in Kenya PIC: BNOC
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development has categorically stated there will be no incentives for the team. Ndolo and Ntshwarang had approached the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) to request recognition in terms of incentives or at least appearance fees.
BAA elevated the matter to the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), which in turn took the case to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC). According to a letter from BNSC director, sport development - technical Bobby Gaseitsiwe following an inquiry from BAA, which needed clarity on the exclusion of junior athletes from incentive package for national players, BNSC consulted further with MYSC. The ministry referred BNSC to a 2012 Presidential directive. “Regarding the Presidential directive of 2012, the Ministry wishes to inform your office that this directive stipulates that appearance fees and performance incentives are for national team players and athletes.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...