Africa-Press – Botswana. The commissioning of 59 Officer Cadets reaffirms government’s commitment to the development of the military as envisioned in the National Development Plan.
Speaking at the commissioning parade at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks, Acting President Slumber Tsogwane said it was important that Botswana Defence Force (BDF) continued to recruit and retain the right people who were faithful to the value system of the force.
“We are aware as a nation that the complex challenges and existential threats to our national security require a national defence system that values human resources as key to the delivery of its mandate,” he said.
In addition, he stressed that the 59 Officer Cadets’ commitment to BDF represented their contractual obligation to the people of Botswana.
Mr Tsogwane said it was also a commitment by each one of them to move the army to the next level of professional excellence and service to the nation.
He indicated that government was aware that BDF capability development ought to be prioritised, considering many complex security challenges and threats to national and regional peace and security.
“The defence force, therefore needs focused training, which is deliberately designed and structured to endow officers with comprehensive, nuanced knowledge and understanding of national security matters,” he said.
By so doing, he said it would capacitate them to make robust and dynamic decisions, which would ensure that the BDF remained professional while at the same time delivering effectively on its mandate.
He therefore advised the graduating class to always remember that they had joined a profession not like any other.
“The profession of arms is not an ordinary profession, it calls for the highest and ultimate premium of sacrifice,” he said.
He cautioned them to understand that they had answered a calling of hardship and personal sacrifice since their responsibilities from this day onwards entailed leading people into areas of grave danger in the defence of the nation, where risks to personal life were omnipresent.
He further cautioned graduands about the social ills bedevilling the country such as HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence, of which the military had not been spared.
He advised them to exercise restraint, self-control and resist peer pressure.
Mr Tsogwane again urged them to be exemplary in their leadership and model a life of responsible citizens as well as offer command, mentorship and leadership to subordinates.
The Acting President conferred awards to outstanding officers and inspected the guard of honour before commissioning the graduating class.
He awarded Officer Galaletsang Mooketsi the Commandant’s award as the most outstanding officer in the category while Officer Boago Ramotiti got the leadership award.
Distinguished Honour and Best Motivated awards went to officers Pako Tau and Bame Gaoforwe respectively.
The Commissioning Parade was class 44 of 2023 and the course aim to develop Officer Cadets with basic military skills and knowledge required of a young officer on the first appointment.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
