27 Jul 2014

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, has called for robust and multi-pronged approach to poaching and related crime.

Dr Kedikilwe said this when officiating at the graduation ceremony for army officers at the Defence, Command and Staff College in Glenvalley Barracks on July 25.

Forty-five officers graduated for Past Staff College (PSC), a course that offers skills of a well-rounded officer capable of planning and executing operations, while appreciating their implications on national objectives and foreign policy direction.

The Vice President said the graduates were completing their studies at a time when Botswana was facing the menace of poaching, a phenomenon that had the potential to wipe-out wildlife resources, rendering the targeted species extinct.

“Given the tidal wave of poaching, anti-poaching has become a primary focus,” he said. “This declaration doctrinally represents a paradigm shift in the global security trends, from conventional threats to non-conventional.”

Dr Kedikilwe said the training of soldiers attested to government’s commitment to training and developing the Botswana Defence Force personnel into professional and well equipped individuals, who shall equally be ready to respond to contemporary defence and security dynamics.

“The college has not only provided the BDF with an opportunity for capacity building, but also enabled Botswana to share her expertise and experiences with our friends within the region and Africa as a whole,” he added.

He said the participation of student officers from Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho was a reflection of continuing cooperation between Botswana and those countries.

“Your participation in this course is a demonstration of the strong historical ties between our countries and peoples and attests to our commitment to strengthen regional cooperation,” he said.

Brig. Shadrack Moloi, the commandant of the Defence Command and Staff College Commandant, said graduates must continue to learn and build on the knowledge they acquired throughout the course.

Brig. Moloi also thanked the friends of the college who continued to support the college on the delivery of the curriculum.

“In this regard I wish to appreciate the invaluable contribution of various governments, parastatals as well as the private sector for supporting us in their various ways,” he said.

He said the learners benefitted from the strategic tours and briefings from some organisations as well as individuals and retired officers for their sacrifice and devotion towards the college over the years.  ENDS