07 May 2026

The Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) has stepped beyond its traditional role of tax collection to address a pressing national security and agricultural threat through donation of nine chain saws valued at P99,000. 

The tools are specifically earmarked for clearing dense vegetation and open up patrol routes along the border line. 

 “Blessed is the hand that gives,”  said Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South, Mr Tokyo Modise, as he acknowledged a vital contribution to the regional fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). 

Speaking at the donation handover ceremony in Tsabong on Wednesday, Mr Modise urged the local communities to take full ownership of the donated equipment, emphasising the importance of utilising the tools effectively while ensuring they were kept safely for long-term use. 

BURS acting Commissioner of Operations, Ms Vivian Lesedi, described the move as a core component of their social responsibility. Ms Lesedi said the aim was to contribute to improved border patrol, as clearing patrol routes will make it easy for the police to patrol the border line and control movement of animals and people, thereby securing the nation’s socio-economic interests. 

Ms Lesedi further said BURS duties extend to facilitating trade and enhancing border safety. 

“By monitoring what enters and exits the country, the organisation plays a pivotal role in protecting the livestock industry from the spread of FMD. 

The clearing of the bush is expected to create a more transparent and manageable border environment, ensuring that fair trade is maintained while biological threats are kept at bay,” she said. 

Tsabong District Commissioner, Mr Levis Thupa, described the donated equipment as ‘weapons of prevention.’ He noted that the sexanana tree had covered significant portions of the border, making it nearly impossible to patrol and monitor movement. 

Mr Thupa expressed his gratitude, stating that BURS has responded directly to the cries of Tsabong District farmers at a time when such intervention was needed the most. He said the donation will directly benefit the bordering villages of Makopong, Bray, Werda, McCarthy’s Rust, Bogogobo, Middlepits and Kolonkwaneng. 

Mr Thupa urged other companies to emulate the example set by BURS, encouraging further donations to ensure total eradication of FMD threats along Botswana’s borders. 

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