04 May 2026

More than 500 deserving current and former members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers were on Thursday honoured during the 49th Medal Awards Parade at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane.

The officers were honoured for the outstanding service and conduct in military duties.

The awarding of medals was done by President Advocate Duma Boko, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

According to BDF’s Colonel Tswelelopele Timothy, a total of 528 personnel received medals across five categories.

Col. Timothy said 134 officers were awarded the Duty Code Order (DCO), while 297, including five former members received the Pearl Jubilee Medal (PJM).

Another 84 officers were honoured with the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) and 13 soldiers received the Foreign Service Medal (FSM).

Col. Timothy explained that the awards served as token of appreciation for dedication, discipline and commitment demonstrated by the members of the BDF.

“Individuals from different ranks from various units are awarded medals,” he said.

President Boko, accompanied by the BDF Commander, General Mpho Mophuting, led the medal presentation, beginning with the Duty Code Order, followed by the Pearl Jubilee Medal categories.

The Duty Code Order is awarded to the administrative and technical staff for exceptional devotion to duty, while Pearl Jubilee Medal recognises members who have completed 30 years of continuous and honourable service.

Other awards, which included Distinguished Service Medal, Long Service Order and Foreign Service Medal were presented by senior government officials, among them, Vice President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe and the Assistant Minister of State President, Defence and Security, Ms Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti.

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to commissioned officers with at least 20 years of continuous service and good conduct, while the Long Service Order recognises personnel who have served a minimum of 15 years with discipline and dedication.

The Foreign Service Medal is awarded to members who have served honourably outside Botswana on operation, foreign assignments, or collective training for a period of no less than two months.

Colonel Lesley Seema, a recipient of the Duty Code Order, said in an interview that the award reflected years of dedication and commitment to national service.

“This award is an indication that I have served with humility, dedication and determination,” he said.

For his part, Warrant Officer II, Charles Magalie, who received the Pearl Jubilee Medal, described the recognition as an honour after 30 years of service.

“It is an honour to serve this country. I will never regret my years of service,” he said.

Another recipient, Major Gabaiphiwe Kebopetswe, who was awarded the Foreign Service Medal following her deployment in the Democratic Republic Of Congo under the United Nations, said the experience and recognition were deeply meaningful.

“This award means a lot to me. Serving abroad for a year requires resilience and discipline. I am proud to have represented Botswana on an international platform,” she said. ENDS