Africa-Press – Botswana. The Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, has told Botswana Defence Force’s new 343 non-commissioned graduates, to be prepared for potential peacekeeping missions in the SADC region.
Speaking at the pass out parade for private basic military training course Intake 80 of 2024 in Pandamatenga on Thursday, Mr. Mmusi emphasised the evolving security situation in the SADC region, particularly noting conflicts in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Botswana currently deploying troops to the conflict zone in Mozambique.
He also highlighted the government’s unwavering support for peace and security, quoting President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s recent address to graduands at the Defense Command and Staff College.
Underlining the soldiers’ role in upholding freedom and protecting people from various security threats, he stressed the importance of the soldiers’ commitment to duty, honuor, and love of country.
Moreover, Mr Mmusi urged the graduates to embrace military values such as discipline, courage, loyalty, and integrity, and to exemplify these in their performance of duty and interactions with the people they serve.
“When your instructors put you through the rigours of basic military training, you could have easily opted out, but for the love of your country, you chose to stay and be among the very few that answered a calling placed on your generation for sacrifice and hardship, for duty, honour and love of country and you chose to serve in our Defence Force,” the minister said.
He thanked the soldiers for joining the ranks of the BDF whose broader mandate included the safeguard of freedoms and the protection of people from a myriad of security threats facing the world today.
“The military has not been spared from these unfortunate incidents of GBV, “ he said.
He also addressed the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Botswana, urging the graduating class to be exemplary and lead lives as responsible citizens.
In an interview, Private Olefile Moshokgo, the best overall student, expressed how the past six months of training had broadened his mind, prompting him to apply his intellect and physical strength.
He attributed his success to his boldness and self-assurance, affirming his belief in his ability to achieve anything he puts his mind to.
While Private Tsaone Rantshese, the best in drill awardee, highlighted how the drill exercises tested her mental and physical strength, shaping her into a disciplined soldier who values teamwork.
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