15 Nov 2020

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi says no known undertakings or assurances were made by the minister to the effect that all members of the Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association will be paid in less than 120 days.

He, however, said several issues were discussed in the previous meetings in 2017, 2018 and 2019 regarding claims for various welfare and human resource related compensation claims including making the members aware of the establishment of Veterans Affairs Unit in the defence ministry.He said the unit was responsible for among others coordinating the benefits and welfare of retired members including payments of outstanding claims with the Botswana Defence Force. 

Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi had asked the minister to confirm whether the former Minister of Defence, Justice and Security when addressing retired soldiers at an annual general meeting in Mahalapye in 2003 promised and assured them that all those who were owed shall be paid in less than 120 days. ENDS