BVF slouches as audit, AGM delay
Sport
Resistance and egoism are the order of the day at the stubborn Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) executive committee boardroom as they continue to trample upon their own constitution.
The current committee which is headed by the soft spoken, Daniel Molaodi continues to violate their constitution despite swearing in 2011 that the book of law will be respected. The BVF constitution has always been clear that one should hold office for a maximum of four years. The committee came into office in 2011, up until now, volleyball has never assembled for their elective AGM which could have long been held last year.
On the 23rd of April at their ordinary meeting, Molaodi said that the reason the meeting had been called was unavailability of the audited financial records as per the constitution. As a sign to show that indeed the meeting is important, he suggested to the affiliates that they put on a mask of ignorance and call the assembly without the audited finances. The delegates however would not fall for his charm as they told the executive to audit the financial books as the constitution directs.
The volleyball leader, by then kept assuring the affiliates that they are only awaiting grants from BNSC to pay the auditors, since PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PWC), couldn’t release finances on credit. BNSC released the P 1 million grants to BVF in June, and two months later, Molaodi’s committee has yet to act on their word.
“It is just quiet, we are not updated about what’s happening yet we know that the AGM could have long been called, so we are just spectators,” Chairperson of Diphatsa volleyball club, Rex Rabanyo explained.
Kalavango club’s Chairperson, Lesedi Hule shared the same sentiments, “We are on the dark as to the latest development, we thought by now we would have assembled for the meeting but it is just quite.”
The AGM is expected to allow affiliates to discuss whether to implement the new constitution.
In an interview with WeekendSport this week, Molaodi said the finances are at the auditors and the exercise will span for two weeks. “Our books are at the auditors, they initially thought it won’t take long but then it proved to be a burden hence we are yet to receive them, and we expect them to be done in two weeks, thereafter we will call the assembly.”
The President however could not clearly share as to what happened because he once said that the finances were ready only waiting to pay the auditors. “Auditing is done in two phases, the first one is our treasury department balancing them, then the auditors do the last part and unfortunately we haven’t informed our members on the delay,” Molaodi could only say.
BNSC has on numerous occasions called on various associations to comply with their constitution as it could help in taming sponsors. Volleyball was once hit by disaster following Mascom’s pulling off from supporting the sport’s league. However, only the magic and power of Minister Thapelo Olopeng, was instrumental in re-uniting the two amid bad conditions for the sport as prize monies decreased. The expectation was that the administration would put their house in order and comply with the constitution to continue luring in sponsors to the sport.
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Sport
AFRICA’S RECOVERY: Sports as game changer
The year 2022 witnessed unprecedented phenomena. Several Africans- Gotytom Gebreslase, Sharon Lokedi, Victor Kiplangat, Tamarit Tola and many others- swept the World’s marathons records.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting control measures implemented in several countries, led to many high-level sports competitions being cancelled or shelved, the Dakar 2022 Youth Olympic Games was moved to 2026.
Founder and Executive Chairman, African Sports and Creative Institute, Will Mabiakop, says the inability to hold traditional and amateur sports events have had a serious effect on public health overall, including mental health, sparking a revolution whereby athletes began to talk more openly about stress, mental overload and performance anxiety.
“Africa is home to the fastest growing economies before the crisis, no longer on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). COVID-19 deepened interdependence between SDGs, making them harder to achieve, especially SDG 10 (reducing inequality) and SDG 5 (gender equality_ as the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on poorer countries, and heavier burdens (such as care work) fell to women.”
Mabiakop stresses that as policymakers contemplate actions to speed up recovery and build resilience, they must argue that sports and creative businesses should play a central feature in this effort.
“The sports economy worldwide is estimated at 5% of GDP, but only 0.5% in Africa. If exploited, Africa’s sports and creative industries can offer policymakers innovative solutions. Especially, as regards job creation, and providing employment to the 15 million people entering the job market annually.”
HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY DO THIS?
By leveraging the two-for-one concept: past studies shown that a 1% growth in the economy delivers a 2% job increment in this sector (these ratios are calculated using data from 48 African countries and adjusted to the reality of the sports economy in Africa by the authors). There are between 30 and 50 job types, in sports and creative industries, respectively. These jobs do not fade away with the first major shock.
Mabiakop indicated that policymakers can use these industries to tackle multiple crises- jobs, poverty, and climate risks. Sports diplomacy- defined as communication, representation and negotiation in or through the prism of sports- has proven effective in building inclusive and cohesive societies. Moreover, sports and the creative industry can support better mental health and well-being, both important for productivity.
“Policymakers can also be true to the game by leveraging culture and tradition to celebrate identity and reap commercial value in sports, textiles and jewelry. Creative sectors allow deeper connection with culture, are not easily copied and provide great economic potential.”
He said supporting grassroots sports has powerful distributional effects. “Fortunately, technology has made reaching wide audiences easier, generating higher rates of success when talent is discovered.”
However, Mabiakop held that potential pitfalls must be highlighted. “First avoid build it and they will come policies with infrastructures denuded from the rest of the ecosystem. Like the many sports stadiums left largely unused.”
“Policymakers must remain mindful of how these sectors move the needle in human capital development. Also, align the requisite public policies needed for progress from grassroots participation to professional sports, and even to international sporting events. They should also support investment instruments to render these sectors performant.”