06 Jul 2023

It is not true that applicants joining the disciplined forces are subjected to run a 11-kilometre marathon as part of the interview. Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the work of disciplined forces required them to be physically and mentally fit at all times. He said it was, therefore, important that right from enlistment they attracted and recruited the right applicants, and that on that account and as part of the requirements before enlistment, applicants had to undergo a physical proficiency test among other tests. Mr Mmusi said it was an assessment that was conducted to ascertain their fitness in addition to qualifications they may possess as required. He noted that disciplined forces had established standards and processes relevant to their respective conditions, and that they were all benchmarked to conform to international best practices. In addition, Mr Mmusi noted that the recruitments were overseen or conducted by qualified medical personnel integral to the respective recruitment boards. He said Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Botswana Prison Service (BPS) used the 2.4 km run as part of their physical proficiency tests while Botswana Police Service employed the ‘12 minute Cooper test’. Mr Mmusi said in the test, participants tried to cover as much distance as they could in 12 minutes, adding that it translated to between 2.2 and 2.8 km depending on their age. Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi had asked whether it was true that some of the disciplined forces applicants were subjected to run some 11 kilometres marathon as part of the interview. He also asked the minister if he realised that it was exploitation of fellow countrymen and women who may lack the athletic capability and endurance. He also wanted to know measures in place in case some applicants were injured during such a marathon. ENDs