12 Jun 2016

The growth of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) over the years has brought about a need to advance with technological developments in order to meet the dictates of its mandate in modern times.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research and development between BDF and Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) at SSKB in Mogoditshane, the deputy commander of BDF, Maj. Gen. Placid Segokgo said the BDF could not ignore the need for technical and technological demands.

He noted that the technical and technological demands dominate every aspect of human life as well as provision of services to those that they were mandated to serve. He said since the BDF was premised on the vision of a professional, prompt and decisive force, the use of technology becomes the force multiplier to overcome the challenge.

He said it was only through cooperation envisaged in the MoU that they would be able to attain desirable situational awareness on their part as well as enhance their ability to effectively command and direct their resources in a decisive manner.

“The BDF has acquired and continues to acquire equipment and associated expertise to handle, operate and manage such equipment. “Like any military establishment here or elsewhere, we possess a wide inventory of equipment ranging from aircraft, vehicles, IT equipment and devices as well as communication equipment. We have made an endeavour to train and recruit specialised skills to assist us move along with the pace of technological advancements which we cannot ignore in this era,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Segokgo said BUIST avails a wealth of expertise and opportunities not only limited to BDF, but also to the nation to develop their capabilities in understanding and dealing with the challenges they experience on a day to day basis.     

For his part, BIUST vice chancellor Prof. Otlogetswe Totolo said one of their strategic intent was “research and innovation excellence” which was aimed at promoting and facilitating research and scholarly investigation. He said it was incumbent for BIUST to identify problems in the industry and government and come up with solutions.

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