25 Sep 2022

Botswana’s most decorated karate instructor Shihan Mpho Bakwadi will lead the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) for the next four months following the ousting of the former executive committee in a special general assembly Saturday.

Former president sensei Tshepo Bathai’s tenure as the leader of the karate governing body ended unceremoniously as he was voted out of office with his entire executive committee in a motion of no confidence decision. The decision was made in the absence of the former committee members.

The general membership of BOKA raised concern about Bathai’s administration with the centre of the rot being maladministration and lack of accountability to finances.

Chairperson of International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) sensei Eileen Alberts had written to BOKA president last week seeking the convening of a special meeting to seek redress.

She cited among others increased complaints about selection of athletes into national teams and financial statements that had been promised and never brought for discussion and adoption.

Following this call for a special meeting, BOKA slapped ISKF with a suspension for ‘undermining authority’ and bringing karate into disrepute.

ISKF had refused to withdraw the invite as they deemed it constitutional according to BOKA constitution article 15.3 which stipulates that : “There may be a special general meeting called by BOKA executive committee or general membership to discuss issues that may require attention as determined by BOKA executive committee or member organisations or federations or unions”. Six BOKA member associations on Saturday agreed to the legitimacy of their meeting, adopted the agenda and reinstated ISKF and roped in a new four-member interim committee led by Bakwadi.

Othusitse Dick has been assigned secretary general role, Treasure Seletamotse, public relations, Keorapetse Dube while Union Kgafela, Francois Alberts and Bose Caiphus had been added as additional members.

During the past years, karate had been marred by leadership crisis and Bakwadi in his interim tenure is expected to turn around the fortunes until a permanent committee is ushered in.

When he raised his hand for the karate top seat which he lost to Bathai, Shihan Bakwadi promised to implore inclusive leadership engaging extensively with karate instructors and being keen on the welfare of athletes, referees and coaches.

In his acceptance speech, Bakwadi promised to get the ball rolling at the earliest convenience.

 

The general membership pleaded with Bakwadi to facilitate the establishment of the new executive committee and hand over of the old guard.

He was also charged with overseeing the transition of karate inventory from the old committee. After being rocked by internal feuds Bakwadi was also advised to seek positive publicity and rebuild the good name of the sport.

Bakwadi is an astute instructor with an unwavering experience in youth development. He had previously served as BOKA’s vice president technical. Among his many accolades is a World Karate Federation (WKF) judge A referee certification.

Bathai led the karate governing body in 2014 for the shortest period of five months in the history of the sport’s administration.

He was ousted in a motion of no confidence but made a comeback to lead BOKA in 2017 after defeating Bakwadi by 11 votes to six. He took the reins from sensei David Mathe. BOPA