16 Mar 2015

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi has been told that upon approval of his ministerial budget proposals for the financial year 2015/2016, he must have the welfare of members of the security forces at heart.

Mochudi West MP, Mr Gilbert Mangole, said welfare of the country’s military officers must be a top priority in order to have motivated troops. He also highlighted that it was equally important to build a dignified infrastructure for the police service as the current situation was totally unsatisfactory especially the Mochudi Police Station.

He said Batswana were complaining of the private security companies who were flouting employment regulations. The Mochudi West legislator also pleaded with the minister to consider reviewing the fingerprint database of the Botswana Prisons Service.

Nata-Gweta MP Mr Polson Majaga applauded the minister as Botswana had fruitful cooperation with international bodies such as Interpol. He asked the minister to consider implementing an achievable solution with regards to refugees and speed up the repatriation process which would result in Botswana having a good reputation outside.

Kanye South MP Abram Kesupile told the minister to equip the security forces with sophisticated machinery as criminals were on top when it comes to technology.

He decried the long awaited military academy which was envisaged for Paje saying the minister must speed up the process. Mahalapye West MP Mr Joseph Molefe said there was need to review structures and some Acts. He praised the Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security (JPC s) which he said had the potential to improve international relationships.

He said the border affirmation should be seen as an ongoing project that should be prioritised.

Mmadinare MP Mr Kefentse Mzwinila said there should be a paradigm shift in prioritising the security forces. He also noted that there should be a motivated and professional troop.
He said accommodation and health care for military should be top priority for any country. He also suggested that it was high time Botswana establish a reserve force.

MP for Selebi Phikwe West Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse called for a codified security policy. The youthful legislator said the policy would define the nature of security threat whether they were conventional or unconventional. He also said the policy would inform the country’s foreign policy and explain whether there were potential external threats and what kind of alliance Botswana ought to have outside. ENDS