29 Jun 2026

The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) Act ought to be modernised so that it can align well with society’s needs of today’s era.  

Minister for State President, Defence and Security Mr Moeti Mohwasa said at the official launch of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) in Seolwane that the review process of the BRCS Act was underway, saying despite the Act having served the country since 1968, time had come to adapt it to today’s needs.

He further said he had committed the ministry to accelerate the review process.
Mr Mohwasa pointed out that the BRCS deserved a modern legal foundation equal to the work it was called to do and that the communities it served deserved nothing less.

“I wish to commend the BRCS for its continued role as government’s humanitarian auxiliary, and the IFRC for its steadfast support in strengthening national preparedness, response and resilience capacities. The launch we celebrate today is a demonstration of what is possible when government, humanitarian organisations and international partners unite in common purpose, the protection of human life and dignity,” Mr Mohwasa said.

He further indicated that Botswana remained firmly committed to strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in line with government’s national development priorities and international commitments, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“As a country, we continue to experience increasing climate variability and weather-related hazards, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, severe storms and strong winds. These hazards pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods, while negatively affecting infrastructure, agriculture, water resources and socio-economic development across the country,” noted the Minister.

He said the impacts of the hazards were often felt by vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly and rural communities, whose capacities to prepare for, withstand and recover from disasters were often constrained.

Mr Mohwasa further said the recent years had tested the nation in ways that had not been seen in a generation.

He said the floods of 2025 and 2026 caused widespread destruction in various places across different districts in Botswana.

“In 2026, right here in Seolwane and in communities such as Maunatlala, Majwaneng, Lerala, Mosweu and Mokokwana, families lost their homes, their possessions and, in some cases, their livelihoods. Crops and livestock were lost,” he said.

“These are not statistics, these are the stories of real families, your neighbours, your relatives,” he added.
Building on the lessons and experience gained from the 2025 response, Mr Mohwasa said the BRCS once again mobilised rapidly when floods affected communities in Palapye District and the North West District in March 2026.

He said through the IFRC’s DREF, critical support was provided to vulnerable households, including, distribution of 500 blankets and 500 mattresses to affected families, provision of 45 family tents to households requiring emergency shelter, and distribution of 135 solar lights to improve safety, security and dignity for affected families.

He said support also included structural repair support for 200 households to restore safe and dignified living conditions, food assistance valued at P1 000 per household provided to 150 vulnerable households with children under five years of age for a period of two months, and cash assistance of P1 000 per household provided to 600 affected households. ENDS