Hayashi-Ha makes demands to BOKA
Hayashi-Ha Karate Union has written a letter to the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) seeking a list of members in good standing ahead of the April 17, 2021 elections.
Hayashi-Ha instructor, Mpho Bakwadi said they want to use the information as they prepare for the elections. He said the list was like a voters roll in elections. But BOKA secretary-general, Phineas Motseolapile told Mmegi Sport that since he has been in office, he has never come across a situation where a member requests for membership status of others.
“I have never come across this. I saw the letter from Hayashi but I responded (by) telling them that membership status is between the federation and the mother body being BOKA.
No member could request the status of another federation probably without even the consent of another. I do not even think it is right for BOKA to disclose the membership status of other federations to other federations,” Motseolapile said.
Motseolapile added he informed Hayashi that it was not possible unless if it is with the consent of the federation that they need their status.
He added the Hayashi is allowed to request the information from the Registrar of Societies. He said the membership statuses are disclosed during the Annual General Meetings or Ordinary Meetings.
However, Bakwadi said it does not make sense for him to be seeking information from the Registrar of Societies when he pays the affiliation fee at BOKA. “BOKA should be at liberty to give us the information. All we want to know is the federations that are in good standing.
This is like a voters roll for political parties, it is revealed before the elections,” he said. Bakwadi explained that they want the information to know where to campaign and not waste time on members who are not in good standing. He said it is not fair on other candidates because those in office who have internal information and can use it to their advantage. “This is not a big issue. If they want to win elections, they should be transparent. We have affiliated with BOKA not the Registrar.
If they do not respond, we would have no option but to elevate the issue,” Bakwadi said. Meanwhile, Keorapetse Dube who is also challenging for the BOKA presidency said he is waiting for a list of candidates and members in good standing. He said that is when he would be able to campaign.