Former BMS president pushes back

The dissolved Botswana Motosport (BMS) Committee headed by Simon Modisaemang is pushing back after they were allegedly removed from office without any explanation.

The troubled BMS committee found themselves divided among both the Executive committee and affiliates last year as two centres of power within the association collided during an explosive Special General Meeting (SGM) last year. The heated meeting saw several established BMS clubs calling for a motion of no confidence against Modisaemang and his committee.

The SGM deadlock between BMS affiliates prompted the Botswana National Sports Commission (BMS) to intervene by quickly dissolving the old committee and setting up an interim body headed by John Carr Hartley.

In an interview this week, Modisaeman confirmed that he had recently served the BNSC with a letter asking the commission to clarify why his committee has been dissolved. “We were never given an audience as to why we have been dissolved. I have long told the BNSC that the constitution did not allow me to fully control my committee,” Modisaemang said.

Modisaemang who is Botswana’s FIA liaison officer said he   was in frequent contact with the BNSC and provided all the   details regarding problems at the BMS. The former BMS   president said he kept the BNSC updated eve when the former BMS vice president and treasurer did not file receipts for auditing purposes.

Modisaeman says that three member affiliates called for a Special General Meeting after the initial Annual General Meeting was cancelled. “Following the failed SGM, I suggested that club affiliates be co-opted to form and work on a new constitution.

“This is before we were dissolved by the BNSC. Nevertheless, we have not received any form of writing that we have been dissolved by the BNSC.” Modisaemang said he has since written a letter through his attorney seeking clarity from the BNSC. “I do not recognise the new committee. Nevertheless, I will not let the sport suffer as they continue with their business.”

In an interview this week, the BNSC chairperson Solly Reikeletseng said he has received the copy of letter from the former BMS president’s lawyers. “The matter has now gone to the law. I do not know of any response from the BNSC,” he said.

Reikeletseng said they have given the interim committee time to prepare for their next Annual General Meeting. The chairman added that there are important motosport events like the Toyota 1000 km Desert race coming up.