Sexual harassment in sports
... as the industry is overrun by predators
Local sport has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment, following two incidents reported at Botswana Football Association ( BFA) and Botswana Tennis Association ( BTA).
The two associations are currently looking into the two internal cases to establish facts and possible punitive measures should there be a need.
In the case of BTA, it is reported that, prior to one of the junior competitions in South Africa, the victim who is still a student, remained behind to write her exams. One of her coaches was assigned to remain and wait for her to finish her exams before they could jet off to South Africa to join other members of the team. It emerged that, upon arrival, the said coach ( names withheld) did not book a separate room for the athlete and they had to share a room, despite having been given funds to secure a room for the athlete. On that particular night, the coach reportedly touched and behaved in a manner that shocked the underage athlete ( 17), who later gave a below average performance in the competition. During a double session event, the victim’s partner, who was worried by her colleague’s underwhelming performance, enquired about what was going on and the distraught victim broke in tears as she revealed her horror experience. The matter has since been reported to the parents and the association, according to close informants. Oaitse Thipe, the BTA president when contacted to offer an insight on the matter, confirmed to this publication that indeed there has been a case which they are currently investigating. “It is an ongoing investigation that we are still looking into; it is a sensitive issue as it involves a minor and we are working with all relevant authorities. Until a process of investigation is completed we can’t
comment further on the matter,” Thipe revealed.
Reports suggest that, initially the matter was to be resolved between the parents and the said coach but other bodies advocating for safety in sport were alerted hence the formal investigations began. On the side of football, a Botswana COSAFA/ CAF referees’ instructor and match commissioner, attended a COSAFA workshop training during which one of the instructors
from Zimbabwe sexual harassed her. COSAFA officials have reportedly distanced themselves from the matter but the victim has since written a complaint letter to the local football association and the matter is being looked into.
Efforts to get hold of BFA 1st Vice President, Masego Nchingane who is reportedly handling