29 May 2024

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) finally has a new board after being without one since February.

The new members are chairperson, Marumo Morule and vice, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego .

Other board members are Botsang Tshenyego, Tebogo Tshenyo, Keenese Katisenge-Tizhani,, Katlholo Mosimanegape, Lopang Pule, Mmaneke Maplanka, Tshepo Mophuting and Steve Bothasitse.

Announcing the board at a press conference held in Gaborone yesterday, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said they would play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sport in the country.

The board’s mandate, he said was to ensure that sport policies were progressive, inclusive and aligned with international best practices.

“Their governance will be crucial in fostering an environment where both athletes and administrators can thrive and national sport associations can operate with transparency and efficiency,” said Rakgare.

He said Botswana had recently been honoured with notable accolades at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Awards where the country also won Country of the Year award.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and excellence demonstrated by our athletes, coaches, and sports administrators,” said Rakgare and further stated that Letsile Tebogo received individual awards, highlighting his outstanding achievements on the continental stage.

He said the awards were not just personal victories but also a reflection of the potential and talent that existed in the country.

“Today, as we announce the new board, we are entrusting them with the responsibility to build on this legacy of success,” he said

The minister said the board’s role would be instrumental in implementing policies that nurture talent from grassroots level, support high-performance athletes and promote inclusivity in sports.

He said they would be responsible for ensuring that sport infrastructure was one of the highest standard, enabling athletes to compete and excel at the highest levels.

Rakgare said government was committed to providing the necessary resources and support to the board, to fulfill its mandate and that included fostering partnerships with private sector, international sport bodies, and other stakeholders, to create a sustainable and thriving sport ecosystem in Botswana.

“As we look to the future, we envision a Botswana where sport is not just a pastime but a cornerstone of our national identity. A Botswana where every child has the opportunity to discover their athletic potential, where sportsmanship and fair play are celebrated, and where our athletes continue to shine on the global stage,” he said.

For his part, Morule thanked the minister for showing confidence in him and appointing him BNSC board chairperson for the second consecutive time. He said the newly appointed board members would hit the ground running and that most were not new to sport.

“To have a deputy permanent secretary seating in the board is a clear statement as to what you expect from us,” he said. Ends