14 Oct 2025

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has prioritised building and strengthening bilateral relations.

This was said by the BDF Air Arm Commander, Major General Hendrick Rakgantswana recently at Thebephatshwa Air Base’s Air Arm Command Technical Training School (TTS) during a Mechanics Course Class of 2025 graduation.

He said the BDF was committed to collaborating with SADC states, through training programmes, skills development, and knowledge sharing initiative to drive development, tapping on individual capabilities thereby enhancing regional security.

“As we stand at the forefront of modern security challenges, the importance of knowledge and technology cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Rakgantswana said the graduates comprised 10 students from Mozambique, two from Namibia, four from Zambia, and six from Botswana Prison Service (BPS) and 24 from BDF. He applauded the graduates for commitment and dedication and unrelenting discipline.

“Today, we mark a significant achievement, a triumph of academic excellence and perseverance,” said Maj. Gen. Rakgantswana.

He told graduates that aircraft maintenance was the backbone of the air assets that demanded highly skilled professionals who can ensure the safety, reliability, and operational readiness.

Maj. Gen. Rakgantswana assured graduates that they have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel, and that it was their turn to uphold the highest standards and make a meaningful impact.

He also praised instructors and the staff of the TTS for their tireless dedication, guidance and support throughout the course, encouraging them to maintain the same level of tenacity and commitment.

“Let me remind you that, the BDF is recognised for its professionalism, which is rooted in its rigorous training initiatives. As we move forward, we expect you to embody the values of security professionals, fostering bilateral relations between the BDF, BPS and across the SADC region," he said.

“I urge you to upload the core values of the BDF of Botho, Courage, Loyalty, Discipline, Integrity, Esprit De Corps, and Duty as guiding principles in your careers."

For his part, the Commandant Technical of the TTS, Colonel Kago Diraditsile said each time when an aircraft takes off, maintenance personnel would have worked behind the scenes to ensure its safe departure and landing.

He said the maintenance personnel included engineers, technicians and mechanics. Col Diraditsile said of the 46 graduates, 11 were in Radar and Communications, 17 in Airframe and Power Plant, while 18 graduated in Avionics and Instruments.

He said the course was for a duration of 18 months and upon completion the graduates were engaged in an On Job Training (OJT) process for a duration of three years at different Air Arm Command Squadrons.

Col Diraditsile said since 2001 to date, the TTS had graduated more than 500 students from the BDF, allied forces and sister organisations. ENDS