Sports at 50: Women, disabled are marginalized
While Botswana has made great inroads in sports and its development; there is still a long way to go as far as development of women in sports and inclusion of people with disability is concerned.
The two groups, especially people living with disability have for a long time decried alienation in crafting of policies especially the disabled. Women have been included, though not to their satisfaction, thanks to the formulation of Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO) in 1994. The two, nonetheless, continue to lament about the same enigma they have grappled with since establishment of Botswana National Sports Council (now Commission) (BNSC) 51 years ago.
According to gender/human rights activist and Secretary General of the International Women Working Group (IWG), Game Mothibi, this country has made great progress but there is still a long way to go.
“Let’s acknowledge that there is something and we have made strides but I’m not happy because I know we can do more as a country,” she said before adding that, “the progress is not satisfactory considering the fact that up to now we have no policy that supports women and sports. We have no gender mainstreaming to be able to programme for both men and women. We are not holding enough conversations with sport leadership on how to support girls and women, we don’t have programmes in place to make sporting environment conducive for women and girls' participation in sport, we do not have programmes in place to retain women and girls in sport, we do not have plans in place for athletes to grow into technical officials or administrators,” Mothibi explained.
Some of the challenges females face in sports has been harassment and sexual abuse from their male counterparts. This has been worsened by the fact that women are lax when it comes to sport participation.
Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) CEO, Tuelo Serufho, also concurred with her about the marginalized group saying the participation of women in sports activities is worrisome.
“The current statistics for Botswana indicate 30% average participation of women in the 2014 major games and 40% women representation in administration courses delivered between 2013 and 2014.” Further adding that, “BNOC has set a target of 30% female representation at sport participation and leadership levels by 2016. However the current representation is unknown at sport participation level, with only 12.5% female representation in the BNOC board.”
BNOC is currently conducting research on women participation in sport, as a means to bridging the gaps and finding the missing pieces in the puzzle. The study was awarded P450, 000 from the Commission’s coffers and is due next year. An environment which is conducive and structures in place advocating for the marginalized group to participate as well as structures for the same group to report when harassed are some of the main needs for local sport if it is to transform and make the playing field level.
Another group which according to Mothibi is taken for granted is people living with disability, who despite less considered in the sports fraternity have so far proven their capabilities. She is of the view that if Botswana aspires to be a sport hub all the stakeholders should be engaged.
“For us inclusion talks with all the minority groups or marginalized, like people with disabilities and Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders (LGBT’s) is imperative. So support is lacking for all those groups and I must say it’s not in Botswana only but around the world.” Mothibi further added:” Our point of departure is that if someone is disabled and is a woman she will suffer double discrimination.” Recently there have been allegations of sabotage following the Paralympian, Keatlaretse Mabote’s performance at the Paralympics games and his coach, Raj Rathedi, argued that the athlete was ill prepared as compared to able athletes.
SPORTS EVOLUTION: 50 YEARS
Meanwhile with this country celebrating 50 years of independence, what are the impressions for sports administrators over the evolution of sport? For Keorapetse Setlhare, President of Private Tertiary Institutions Association (PTIA), Botswana has done a lot: “Introductions of many sport codes, qualifying for major events, participating in international events and winning medals at the Olympic and international competitions shows that we have done well.”
Besides hosting major events (international events) like Africa Youth Games and next year’s netball world cup, improved sports facilities in Francistown, Lobatse and the Introduction of the Minister of Youth and Sports and Culture are other developments that should make one celebrate independence from the sporting fraternity.
However other administrators who prefer anonymity argue that we are still many years behind. “We haven’t done much my man; it’s a case of taking two steps forward and three steps backwards. Personally I think we haven’t moved because we never invested in building a good structure and without a good structure we will never move beyond where we are,” a faceless administrator said.
The main factors that has made Botswana to be stagnant are poor governance, development and poor sports structures according to some and the medals won at international events were “just a bonus because we haven’t invested much on grassroots programmes.” Botswana celebrated her 50 years sovereignty yesterday where the national football team was playing against Angola.
Sport
Gloves off as Minister Rakgare blasts Zakhem, Jagdish
Minister Tumiso Rakgare, the Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture Minister, has declared war on Botswana Football League (BFL) Chairman Nicolas Zakhem and league treasurer Jagdish Shah, accusing them of disrupting the local football scene. He proclaimed, “We must confront these individuals who are wreaking havoc on football.” He further stated that the local football governing body is seemingly shielding these individuals.
In December 2023, the Botswana Premier League found itself embroiled in a controversy that sparked outrage among the clubs. This controversy was ignited by the league board’s autocratic decision to reduce the number of teams from 16 to 12 for the 2023/2024 season. The clubs were so incensed that they threatened to boycott league games.
Zakhem and Shah, in response to the shareholders’ move, took BFL shareholders to court, challenging their removal from the BFL board.
At the launch of Ashford Mamelodi’s book, ‘PROTECTING THE GAME’, Rakgare expressed his views, stating, “When we say protecting the game, we must indeed protect it. We must confront those who have disrupted our football by taking football matters to court ‘head on’, if we fail to do this, we are doing injustice to our football.”
He further lamented, “I am losing faith in the leadership of local football and I am saying this without fear or favour because we have individuals who seem to be protected by our local football governing body. Those people recently dragged football matters to court but are still recognized as football leaders. How can this be possible?”
Rakgare also pointed out that there are people who have been relentless in their pursuit of some of the clubs, even to the point of stripping them of their resources. This has left players relying on club equipment to play football and support their families struggling to meet their obligations.
“They have dreams of playing abroad to earn more money, but issues like these set them back. We have individuals like Tumisang Orebonye who are currently raising the country’s flag high and we have individuals such as Maano Ditshupo who have used their football skills to build a clinic in their home village. Imagine such a person being denied the opportunity to play football,” he noted.
Rakgare, expressing his determination, stated, “I am saying this with an open mind, I know some of them in the past threatened to support my political opponents at Mogoditshane, I don’t care, I will take them head on because I am ready as it is about Botswana,” he emphasized.
Zakhem, in response to Rakgare’s ‘persistent interference’ in football matters, pointed out that it poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of local football. He disclosed an instance where Rakgare publicly aired views on football matters on national television, insinuating that foreigners were dominating local football.
“He said live on national television that foreigners are the ones running local football, he was talking about me and Jagdish Shah. How can you go live on TV and say that? I am sorry to say that we are citizens of this country,” Zakhem retorted.
On the other hand, Rakgare noted that he has lost count of the number of esteemed sport administrators, politicians, and other leaders who, at the end of their careers, have threatened to author and publish books but have yet to follow through.
“In my world, Mr. Mamelodi, you join a very prestigious league of Batswana men and women such as the late former President Sir Quett Ketumile Masire (may his good soul rest in peace), Mr David Magang and Dr. Margaret Nasha, who through their books have ensured that many future generations of Batswana can benefit from their experiences and wisdom,” Rakgare concluded.
According to Rakgare, Bra Ash has spent more years in football administration than he has lived on planet earth. “Throughout his four decades of football administration, Bro Ash has worked with tens, if not hundreds of leaders that not only shaped football in Botswana, the region and the continent, but some whom have gone on to hold very important positions such as those of political leaders. In addition, I am talking of the likes of legislators Ray Matlapeng Molomo (may his soul rest in peace) and Philip Makgalemele; both from Botswana as well as Bomber Mthethwa from Eswatini, to name but a few,” he praised.
Sport
Zebras’ goal drought cause for concern
The Zebras have found themselves in a goal-scoring rut, drawing blanks in their recent international friendly tournament against Burundi and Rwanda in Madagascar. This lacklustre performance has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the impending 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
In the world of football, the number of goals a team scores often dictates the game’s outcome. The ability to successfully navigate the opposing team’s defence and find the back of the net significantly boosts a team’s chances of victory.
However, the Zebras’ upcoming matches against Uganda and Somalia in June promise to be pivotal for their World Cup qualification bid. Therefore, it’s crucial for the team to start scoring if they aim to advance.
The Zebras’ head coach, Didier Da Rosa, has already demonstrated his mettle in his tenure, despite a rocky start. His first assignment was a 3-2 loss to Mozambique in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers opener in November 2023. Despite the defeat, Da Rosa saw potential in the team’s performance.
A week later, the Zebras bounced back with a commendable 1-0 victory over continental powerhouse, Guinea. This win at Obed Chilume Stadium signalled the Zebras’ readiness to compete at an international level.
With the World Cup qualifiers looming, observers believe Da Rosa needs to step up the team’s preparations. The upcoming matches against Somalia and Uganda are expected to be intense, and the Zebras cannot afford to be complacent.
The Zebras’ captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, which could be a significant setback. However, his return to the team could provide a much-needed morale boost.
In addition, the inclusion of midfielder Brandon Wilson could be a game-changer, provided his citizenship documentation is finalised in time. Da Rosa has praised Wilson’s skills, stating, “Wilson’s mastery of the field, his spatial awareness, and ball reception mark him as a midfield marvel. His strategic positioning is a lesson in discipline, a skill set our team can greatly benefit from.”
Upon his return from Madagascar, Da Rosa expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We picked up a lot of positives from the tournament. We managed to evaluate a few individuals. It was a very tactical tournament, we didn’t concede any goal but we didn’t score any goal, which is a worrying factor. I need to find solutions in that department as it is the most key aspect of the game as goals win you matches.”
Da Rosa also acknowledged the physicality of the matches, particularly the encounter with Rwanda. “I am positive about how we played but I feel we still need to play more matches so that we get up to the standard. We are anticipating the return of Ditlhokwe, Gape Mohutsiwa and Mpho Kgaswane who could play a vital role in our quest to cause an upset when we face Uganda and Somalia in June,” he said.
The Zebras’ 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group is a tough one, with formidable opponents like Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, and Uganda. These teams are packed with players based in Europe, and each player will need to bring their best performance to secure a place in these crucial matches.
The Zebras’ journey to the World Cup will be a challenging one, but with the right preparation and mindset, they have the potential to make their mark on the international stage.
Sport
Cycling for the TKC starts 15 April 2024
Preparations for the ‘Cycling for the TKC event’ are at advanced stages as 30 cyclists from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa prepare themselves to endure the 1900km ride from Pretoria to the Walvis Bay via Lobatse in Botswana. The cycling challenge will start on April 15 to April 28, 2024. As one of the activities identified to commemorate 20 years since the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) member states signed an agreement to coordinate and manage TKC, the cycling event is expected to bring awareness of the corridor thereby marketing the corridor within the member states and beyond. The event will be conducted under the theme ‘Transforming the TKC into an economic corridor.’ Commenting on the theme,
The Executive Director of the Trans Corridor Secretariat Mr. Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu stated that the corridor transverses through some of the low-income communities and therefore the corridor is expected to inject economic impetus on these communities thereby creating much needed jobs, be it informal or formal employment. The objectives of the event are to promote spatial development initiatives on the Trans Kalahari Corridor and to create an increased awareness and usage of the TKC for both trade and tourism thereby increasing the volumes on the TKC. ‘ It is important to promote sustainable tourism and events like this are key in promoting tourism, economic growth, the environment as well as conservation. By showcasing the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the corridor, the event will foster deeper appreciation of the unique regions the corridor passes through’. Said Mr. Mpofu. Other objectives of the event include obtaining Member State commitment to the economic development through spatial development initiatives along the TKC, to promote road safety on the TKC in line with the UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety as well as the African Union Road Safety Charter as well as to create a hype for the commemoration of the 20 years anniversary.
A Pledge to be signed by the ministers responsible for transport on behalf of their citizens to promote spatial development iniatitves, and committing to the development of the TKC will be handed over to the ministers for signature by the cyclists at Pretoria, Lobatse and Walvis Bay respectively. The cyclists will stop at several towns and villages along the corridor to engage with the community. Safety measures and protocols will be implemented to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants and these will include but not limited to police escort, medical support, route supervision and support. Measures have also been taken to ensure that the ride is memorable and enjoyable to all participants. Cycling clubs along the corridors members of the public who are interested are also encouraged to cycles with the key riders either to meet them before they arrive in settlement / town or to ride with them as the leave a settlement/town for a distance they so wish. Organizations, companies and public entities are also invited to participate through sponsorships.
The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) is a secretariat of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), a corridor management institution (CMI) that was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The TKCS coordinates the implementation of the TKCMC trade and transport facilitation work programme. The CMI also is mandated to promote the Trans Kalahari Corridor which stretches about 1900 km from Gauteng, South Africa, across Botswana and ends at the Walvis Bay, Namibia.