The Case for Merging The Botswana National Olympic Committee and National Sport Commission

Within Botswana, there has long been a narrative that the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) have been at odds. For more than two decades, both organisations have been engaged in a rivalry that has hindered sport in the country. This commentary highlights the challenges posed by this conflict and makes a case for a merger. Policy remains poorly coordinated, and many programmes are hindered due to the relationship between the BNOC and BNSC. In short, the continued separation of both organisations has ultimately led to overlap, competition, and obstruction. Though there are inherent financial and human risks associated with any merger, I argue that the current downsides outweigh the risks and that there is a strong case for the merger of Botswana’s two main sporting bodies.