Constitution flaws!
Published On December 27, 2024 » 1842 Views» By Times Reporter » Columns, Sports
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IT is always surprising that sports administrators in these various associations only come to notice flaws in their constitutions a year, months and to some extent weeks before an elective annual general meeting.
Least to say that it is shocking that administrators would opt to be mischievously quiet for the rest of the years without any attempt to ensure these wrongs are rectified before their respective associations’ election date.
As usual, this comes about when associations such as Zambia Athletics or the Football Association of Zambia polls approach while the likes of the Zambia Table Tennis Association have been involved in neverending battles over elections.
Without belittling other associations, I feel the ZA and FAZ polls always steal the show as administrators come out way too enlightened and spell out all the wrongs…but one wonders where they disappear during these other non-election years.
It would help associations to see how best they can factor in clauses that should spell out exactly when elections are to be held unlike leaving people to guess or speculate.
An important item I was impressed with is the proposal to embed the election date in the FAZ constitution during next year’s annual general meeting.
Additionally, there is need for members to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Code as they prepare for elections and campaigns.
It will be important for associations to always abide by the constitution and avoid any altercation to suit the office bearers but let members/councillors decide the leaders.
These same elements also bring the sport into disrepute by crossing the thin line of the sometimes ambiguous role of Government in sport.
“Let me start by mentioning that as a Ministry, we don’t get involved in the internal politics of associations. We will only play the role of a parent. We received a letter of complaint from some of the members of Zambia Athletics(ZA). Elections are sensitive for most people, but the Sports Council of Zambia has been deliberating and sitting down with ZA to ensure challenges are ironed out. There is no impasse or deadlock. They have a constitution in place, and we urge them to respect it.
“ZA stated that the elections will be in March. Let those who want to vie for positions be prepared for elections. It’s one thing to desire an election and it’s another thing to prepare to win it. We understand there are lacunas in the constitution, but are confident they will abide by it,” said Ministry of Sports permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe when asked about the problems in ZA some weeks back.
Those in office should not just amend the constitution to satisfy their selfish desires but this should be done for harmony in sports and the association.
Leadership is about serving people and sometimes when time is up, it is better to hand it over to the next generation, some who might even do the job better.
It’s better to walk off the stage while people are still clapping.
I remember the words of the late SCZ chairperson Mwamba Kalenga: “No matter how nice the song is, you can’t keep dancing. Leave the stage when people are clapping and give others a chance to also dance”.
The SCZ should continue with its crusade to ensure associations abide by their constitutional provisions and guarantee that we have smooth elections and sports emerge the winner.
As the year comes to a close, it would be important for leaders in these associations to reflect on the success scored(if any) and the failures recorded in 2024 to see how best to build and improve on come next year.
Sports administration should be about serving the athletes and ensuring they perform well locally, on continental and world stage and not just looking for an opportunity to fatten their pockets.
Zambian athletes performed fairly well in 2024 and there is a need to ensure they continue to soar in 2025 but this can be achieved by having people with a clear roadmap and love for the sport.
And to emphasize a point heading into 2025, leaders should not just queue up at the ministry or SCZ corridors seeking money.
The onus in 2025 is for our sports administrators to demonstrate the initiative and acumen to explore strategies that should see them also come up with ways to raise money and become self-reliant to undertake certain assignments without bothering the government for money.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2025 sporting year, remember to interact via email eliaschipepo@gmail.com

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