🇧🇼Mmegi·19 hours ago
World Athletics Relays in Botswana marred by complaints despite record-breaking performances
A week after Botswana hosted the World Athletics Relays 2026, which saw the local men’s 4x400m team set a World Relays record of 2:54.47, concerns have emerged regarding the treatment of various stakeholders. The event, the first World Relays held on African soil, has drawn criticism from the transport sector, volunteers, spectators, and local media. The Taxi Association of Botswana, through its chairperson Edison Tlhomelang, accused organizers and the government of sidelining local transport operators, arguing that the anticipated economic benefits did not fully reach them. Volunteers and technical officials have also voiced frustrations on social media and in local publications, citing issues with allowances, accommodation, feeding arrangements, and working conditions. Complaints included confusion over payment structures, with initial promises of $20 per day over four days reportedly changing to P300 per day, and some volunteers claiming incomplete compensation. Accommodation and transport reimbursement issues, as well as changes in feeding arrangements, were also reported. Additionally, some volunteers stated they did not receive the full officiating apparel they expected, only receiving T-shirts and shoe bags instead of windbreakers, trousers, and bags.