12 Dec 2024

President Advocate Duma Boko has commissioned 118 officer cadets and expressed confidence that the training they attended has prepared them for the hardships of leading men and women in service uniform through the uncomfortable situations on the battlefield

Speaking at the commissioning parade  at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks yesterday, President Boko said there was no doubt that they have been fully prepared for combat operations.

“You should, therefore, be tactically and technically proficient to effectively command your sub-unit,” he said.

He congratulated the officer cadets for their tireless efforts and for the credit they would bring to the country.

He said Botswana had in the past contributed forces towards peacekeeping and peace-building missions.

“As part of the international community and with resources permitting, we will continue to do the same in our effort to contribute to international peace and security. It is through the proficient and excellent training and preparation of our forces that we may meet this humanitarian obligation,” said President Boko.

The President said the event was a reminder of the gallant sacrifices made by service men and women who came before the commissioning class, for the nation to continue enjoying civil liberty and freedom.

He further said the legendary military tradition and culture of those who served before them should continue to guide and inspire. In celebrating their achievements through graduation, President Boko said they were also summoned to reflect on the full responsibilities they were about to assume, especially the demands they must rise to, beyond the call of duty.

He said their unparalleled dedication, selflessness and courage in the line of duty should always exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism in service to the people.

He said such professionalism had been exemplified during the recent national elections, where the BDF showcased their adherence to the rule of law and obedience to the constitution, during the transfer of national instruments of power to the new government.

Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of the BDF Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Okgethilwe Tselayakhumo, Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadets School said the graduating officer cadets were all Bachelors Degree holders and were recruited to join various career fields within the BDF among them aviation, administration and management, combat operations, engineering, medicine and health, music and logistics.

He said the commissioning event was for 121 officer cadets but three of them were currently on training abroad.

He added that the graduation included 21 in-service cadets who were recruited from the serving non-commissioned members of the BDF.

President Boko also presented awards and certificates of merit to deserving graduates for their exceptional performance through out the period of training. He said the awards were conferred by the Commandant Military College to recognise those who have consistently displayed exceptional performance in various military disciplines.

The awards recipients were Tshwaane Matlou  who received the Commandant’s Award, Tirelo Lekoko was given the Leadership Award while Ivan Monageng  received Distinguished Honor Award and the Best Motivated Award went to Naledi Nkomba. ENDS