13 May 2020

The Botswana Police Service (BPS) and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) donated P10 million each towards the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Receiving the two cheques, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the men and women of uniform, together with their auxiliary staff demonstrated the spirit of patriotism at its best.

He said their voluntary contribution was highly appreciated and that it would go a long way in realising the fiscal interventions needed to guarantee continued and dignified lives of Batswana, as well as government’s efforts to resuscitate economic sectors that had been adversely affected by pandemic.

President Masisi said the donation reinforced their commitment to protect lives of fellow citizens beyond their call of duty.

He also said the donation was a response to the realisation that fighting the virus required collective effort of all Batswana.

“I am a proud Commander in Chief that the world has known, for truly it is humbling for you to pledge and show your pledge in real terms. Your dedication in service to the nation was not just in words, but also in deeds and with a generous heart,” he said.

Furthermore, he stated that ever since the fund was established, government had received both financial donations and in kind from the civil society, private sector and individuals alike.

“The outpour from Batswana from the noble initiative has been very humbling and a stuck reminder of the spirit of Boipelego and indomitable resilience of our people,” he said.

BDF Commander, Lt Gen. Placid Segokgo explained that this was the second donation, as they initially donated P500 000 to the fund to fight the pandemic, a move which emanated from their hallmark of Thebe Ya Setshaba.

He said Thebe Ya Setshaba was their obligation of corporate social responsibility and military values enshrined within their value system based on the bedrock of ‘Botho.’

Lt Gen. Segokgo said Batswana as a nation have always relied on national principles such as Ipelegeng, through which some schools such as Moeng College and University of Botswana as well as the National Stadium were constructed.

He said the contributions were made from Intake 44 of 1996, BDF Golf Club and other BDF staff members contributed more than they were asked to contribute voluntarily.

Botswana Police Service Commissioner, Keabetswe Makgope said the voluntary contribution by BPS staff members and special constables as well as support staff was a response to assist government to mitigate effects of Corona virus.

He said BPS was an organisation of long and entrenched partnership in matters of community development and that the contribution was a natural decision to make.

“The BPS pays particular attention to our own organisational values, one of which speaks to team work which is entrenched in our policing model that can never be compromised,” he said.

He said the P10 million donation was the second from BPS, as they initially contributed the sum P400 000 to the fund as an immediate response.

The police commissioner said the police saw their involvement much more beyond their frontline duties and that it was done for the love of the country and fellow citizens.

He assured the President that the police would do all in their power to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. ENDS