13 Dec 2016

There is need to formulate a legislation that will allow the anti-poaching unit (APU) workers not to be employed under the Public Service Act, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama has said.

Mr Khama was speaking at a graduation ceremony for the anti-poaching 2016 batch which combined with the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI) 2016 graduation in Maun.

Minister Khama said the challenges faced by APU employees could not be addressed under the conditions of service as outlined in the Public Service Act and the General Orders, hence the need to amend the law.

“The Public Service Act restricts the number of days that an employee can spend in the field while on a trip, if you deploy someone beyond that it becomes expensive as the individual will be entitled to several allowances on top of their pay,” he said.

He said APU had no budget of its own hence the challenges of insufficient funds and resources such as accommodation, transport and other logistics.

Minister Khama said for instance, in 2016, the department’s food ration got depleted before the financial year ended.

He, however, promised to work tirelessly to ensure resources were availed to APU and make the staff proud to be working under the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Mr Khama said change of attitude, team work and determination were key to bringing desired results.

He said the role of the Anti-Poaching Unit was to protect the environment and its natural resources.

In his remarks, BWTI principal Mr Dimpho Sebotho said the joint graduation embodied competency, skills and improved standards from graduates who persuaded certificates and diploma programmes.

Mr Sebotho said BWTI offered programmes approved by Botswana Qualification Authority and conformed to set standards and best practices.

However, he said APU programmes required reshaping to be formalised.

Meanwhile, the director of Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Major Gen. Otisitswe Tiroyamodimo launched the new uniforms for staff.

Maj. Gen. Tiroyamodimo said the uniform change symbolised growth and development in the department.

The APU uniform, he said was a combat uniform for the unit tasked with protection of wildlife species..

The khakhi uniform, he said was for everyone in the DWNP, while the other one, grey pants, green shirt and blazer and tie was a ceremonial uniform. ENDS