20 Nov 2025

 President Advocate Duma Boko has commended the Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets of Class 46, 2025, for exceptional display of patriotism.

The President conferred 149 officers (115 male and 34 female) with the rank of Second Lieutenant at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane yesterday. 

He emphasised the importance of embodying values that would guide the cadets throughout their careers and called on the newly commissioned officers to embrace the principles of Botho, Courage, loyalty, Integrity, Esprit de Corps and Discipline.

“These values should underpin every decision and action you take as officers of the Botswana Defence Force. They are essential in fostering a disciplined and dedicated force committed to the security and prosperity of our nation,” he said.

Among the commissioned officers, two were from Zambia something President Boko said said  symbolised commitment to regional cooperation through joint and exchange military training.

“Initiatives of this nature strengthened bonds of solidarity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and ensure that together, we remain prepared to safeguard peace,” he said.

He reminded officers that core values such as leadership, discipline, courage and character remained unchanged despite the complex and ever-evolving security landscape. 

These challenges include terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats and disinformation, he said.

President Boko said  the SADC region was faced with deepening security and humanitarian challenges. Thus, he emphasised that the officers’ responsibilities also extended beyond borders.

He also highlighted the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the M23 insurgency had displaced thousands and destabilised communities, despite ongoing peacekeeping efforts.

Furthermore, he said in northern Mozambique, militant attacks in Cabo Delgado continued to test regional resolve.

As such, he said peace remained fragile and cooperation was essential.

President Boko said government was facing fiscal crisis, hence he cautioned officer cadets to be prudent in managing resources. 

“Managing resources is the true test of leadership as courage is on the battlefield or precision on the parade ground," he said.

He said the graduates were commissioned as officers in one of the most respected institutions in the nation.

Therefore he urged them to wear their commissions with pride and humility and lead with courage and compassion.

“Serve with integrity and devotion. Always remember that you took an allegiance oath not for personal gain, but for the peace and prosperity of Botswana,” said President Boko. ends