27 Feb 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, accompanied by First Lady Ms Neo Masisi, yesterday joined Botswana Defence Force (BDF), world war veterans, family members and friends to salute all those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In commemoration of Fallen Heroes Day, the President laid a wreath at the Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone.

Other commemorative events were held simultaneously in Francistown, Selebi Phikwe, Thebephatshwa Airbase and Lesoma Memorial site.

Speaking at the Gaborone event, BDF deputy commander Major General Gotsileene Morake said the ceremony was a way of remembering and applauding those who sacrificed their lives, their youth, freedom, hope and aspirations.

General Morake said the social contract required that the state armed itself and looked after its soldiers, who in turn were to defend the state and its citizens.

He noted that the sovereignty and defence of the state could not be left to chance or to the grace or goodwill of others.

“Similarly, defence capability cannot be deconstructed and reconstructed at the 11th hour at a whim. Defence is an expensive and necessary public good. It is the sour pill, which we all have to swallow,” he said.

General Morake said  holding the commemoration at the monument carried tremendous symbolism in that it honoured three men who toiled for the sovereignty of Botswana.

The three, he said, had the wisdom to identify the danger of incorporation into the exploitative British South Africa Company and a vision to lay a foundation for a united Botswana.

General Morake requested government to commission the Fallen Heroes Day into a national event and to incorporate other sectors that equally contribute to the security and development of Botswana.

“Today as we commemorate our Fallen Heroes Day, we also celebrate the wonderful and [patriotic men and women from other sectors who met their untimely deaths while serving the great republic with courage and distinction,” he added.

General Morake said Botswana continued to enjoy peace, sovereignty and economic stability due to the selfless efforts of the fallen heroes and heroines.

He said it was upon the nation to live and maintain their legacy, show appreciation towards their sacrifice and celebrate their achievements and the foundation they laid.

Commemoration of the day, which commenced in 2011, was primarily geared towards remembering the 15 BDF members who were killed during the infamous Lesoma Ambush on February 27, 1978 by the then Rhodesian regime.

Following the initial commemoration, a deliberate decision was taken to recognise other fallen heroes and heroines who died in the line of duty.

Meanwhile in Francistown, Lt Col. Okgethile Tselayakhumo said the commemoration was testimony that fallen heroes would never be forgotten.

Lt Col. Tselayakhumo recalled that 42 years ago on February 27, BDF lost 15 warriors during an ambush by elements of the Rhodesian Armed Force at Lesoma Sand Ridge.

“This was at the height of the Chimurenga or Liberation War of Zimbabwe when forces of then Ian Smith and his racist regime conducted numerous cross-border attacks into Botswana and other neighbouring countries,” he said.

In Lesoma, Kgosi Peter Chika of Parakarungu expressed pleasure that Batswana were now attending the commemoration in large numbers unlike in the past where it was only attended by military personnel.

“This is pleasing because Batswana now understand the importance of this day,” said Kgosi Chika, who is also a member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

In his remarks, Colonel George Bogatsu informed the audience that in addition to honouring the Lesoma 15, the commemoration recognised other fallen heroes who met their demise in the line of duty such as peace support operations, inter-regional and local deployments as well as training.

Lesoma was however significant as it was the place where the earliest calamity during BDF’ infancy occurred, he said.

Colonel Bogatsu stated that sacrifices made by the fallen heroes were commemorated, lived and highlighted in everyday BDF activities to recognize sacrifices made in the past and future ones in defence of Botswana. ends