20 Jun 2018

Minister of Defence,  Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi has told Parliament that the Botswana Defence Force does not prohibit the raising of backyard chickens in any of its military Garrisons, including Selebi Phikwe  for subsistence consumption.

Mr Kgathi said the BDF has always encouraged its members to be actively involved in backyard gardening and keeping of select domesticated animals for personal consumption or use.

However,  Mr Kgathi said there were guidelines in keeping domesticated animals, pets and birds within the camp.

He said the keeping of chickens and other animals does not contravene any established military laws and ordinances.

However, Minister Kgathi said BDF has realised that some members were now keeping animals for commercial purposes and invariably using government provided facilities and utilities for personal gain.

Mr Kgathi said the Commander and his subordinate commanders have issued directives to set guidelines around backyard gardening and keeping of domesticated animals.

Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to state the reasons for such prohibition and if it applied to all military barracks and if it included other domesticated animals.

He also asked the minister to state the domesticated animals that could be kept  and if the keeping of such animals contravened any established military laws and ordinances. ENDS