20 Apr 2016

 Lt Gen.Dr  Seretse Khama Ian Khama  yesterday  awarded medals to members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) for their dedication to duty.

A total of 316 officers received the inaugural Pearl Jubilee Medal (PJM) . Recipients of this award included BDF Commander Lt Gen. Gaolathe Galebotswe and his deputy Maj. Gen. Placid Segokgo. Others were Maj. Gen. Gotsileene Morake,Maj. Gen. Seleka Phatshwane and Maj. Gen. Molefi Seikano.

Still at the award of medals parade, 22 officers from different ranks received Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded to commissioned officers who have completed not less than 20 years of continuous service with good conduct.

A total of 20 officers received Duty Code Order Medal, awarded to members of administrative and technical staff of BDF for their devotion to duty, and 261 were awarded Long Service Order medals which is awarded to members of the ranks within the BDF who have served for not less than 15 years with good conduct.

One of the Distinguished Service Medal recipient, Major Letang Kgengwenyane said he was happy to be recognised by his employee.

He advised upcoming officers to be patient, dedicated, determined and discipline to serve as that was the only thing that could help them to serve for a long time in the army.

He said the medal was a clear indication that he served for a long time with discipline and dedication for all the years he was on duty.

PJM recipient, Major Tizhani Pelaelo who joined the BDF in 1978 said he was happy to have been given the inaugural medal.

He said the medal was a clear indication that he had worked with discipline and determination.

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi and Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila also participated in the ceremony. ENDS