31 Mar 2025

The Sports Volunteer Movement (SVM) has ushered in a new national executive committee which was elected during a general assembly on Saturday. 

Three candidates being Zacharia Seabo, Harry Koata and Boikanyo Moepedi were nominated for the position of chairperson, and their names would be submitted to Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) for selection.

For other positions, the assembly elected Tapson Patane as vice chairperson, Nathaniel Matsheka and Moses Poloko as Treasurer, and Secretary General respectively, all of whom were unopposed. Gosego Nkwe was endorsed as the organisation’s spokesperson following the withdrawal of Kgotlaetsile Moube from the race. Solomon Dikgang and Richard Kediretswe are the new national executive committee additional members.

In an interview, Patane said their election revitalised their commitment to sports development, emphasising dedicatiuon of the newly elected committee to re-establish SVM as a leading force in supporting sporting activities across the country.

He said their strategic would focus on strengthening SVM presence in the sports community through enhanced engagement and outreach.  Furthermore, he said they would strive to establish fresh collaborations with local companies to expand SVM impact. Patane said the SVM would also strengthen ties with as many national sports associations as possible through Memorandums of Understanding.

“We will actively engage with them, including face-to-face interactions during their AGMs, to introduce and promote SVM’s objectives and services,” he said.

He said recognition of dedicated partners would also be top of their agenda, further expressing appreciation to athletics, cycling, motorsport, and cricket, softball, and tennis federations, among others, for consistently seeking SVM services.

Their support, he said, had sustained the movement’s mission and provided valuable experience for new volunteers.  Talking about nationwide recruitment drive, Patane said it was imperative for SVM to expand its volunteer base by launching recruitment initiatives across all 11 regions of Botswana.

He said involvement in events like Gaborone 2014 and the Netball World Cup had provided volunteers with invaluable experience, with some even being recognised for international volunteering opportunities. He said they would also aim to enhance their participation in future events, highlingting their commitment to equip members with internationally recognised Safeguarding and Sports Management Training to enhance their capabilities.

On leveraging on technology, he said they invited IT professionals to assist in developing an online database and seamless registration system to improve efficiency and accessibility for volunteers and partners in preparation for 2026 World Relays to be hosted by Botswana. Noting that SVM was facing challenges such as insufficient funding and volunteer turnover, especially among trained members, Patane called upon all past and new members to join and help revitalise the movement.  ENDS