17 Mar 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says his recent visits to base camps as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces were a demonstration of solidarity with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and to provide guidance to commanders.

President Masisi, who was addressing Maun and Boro base camp BDF staff and non-military personnel  at Boro Prison in the North West District recently, called for commitment and patriotism in the service of ensuring Batswana’s safety.

Patriotism would ensure that officers put Batswana’s safety first, he explained.

President Masisi said government was addressing BDF conditions of service as well as welfare issues.

He said a law would soon be passed to cater for non-uniformed BDF staff conditions of service separate from that of public servants since they had a special duty of contributing to the country’s security.

Meanwhile, the President said uniformed BDF staff would begin to benefit from the reconsidered conditions of service aligned to that of public servants with effect from April 1.

He pointed out that government was not able to implement all recommendations made by a recent consultancy due to some constraints but that priority was given to those with crucial aspects such as the alignment of the BDF pay structure with that of the public service.

Among other new developments, Dr Masisi mentioned the inception of an improved pension scheme and establishment of a veterans office for retired officers.

He said Boro Base Camp held a significant part of the BDF staff responsible for border security and anti-poaching.

Dr Masisi urged the officers to employ all efforts in the fight against poaching to ensure they protected themselves while robustly deterring poachers.

He informed the BDF staff that their sacrifice of leaving their families to serve their country was appreciated.

In his welcome remarks, Boro Base Camp commander, Major Binno Kangumbe, said they were responsible for provision of border security and anti-poaching services  while Maun Base Camp’s responsiblility was strategising and logistics. Ends