Ragalase, BDF's celebrated PR expert bows out after 30-year service
Pini Bothoko | Thursday June 12, 2025 14:30
Having joined the army as an Officer Cadet back in 1994, his military career has been nothing short of extraordinary marked by steadfast commitment, remarkable achievements, and a lasting impact on both the force and the country. Being a pillar in the BDF’s Public Affairs arm, Lt Col Ragalase served under six different commanders, navigating the changing tides of leadership whilst remaining a steady hand in military communications. His role as a Public Affairs Officer positioned him at the critical intersection amongst the military, media, and the public, where he championed transparency, community engagement, and the BDF’s positive image.
Over the years, he became a familiar and respected voice of the military, skillfully handling sensitive information, and ensuring that the values of the defence force were consistently upheld in the public eye. Even across social media platforms, especially on BDF days, members of the public will tease, calling themselves by popular BDF officers' names, and would not miss people who identified as 'Bernard Ragalase', which only showed how he was loved even by civilians. Beyond communications, Lt Col Ragalase’s service extended to international peacekeeping operations, where he proudly represented Botswana in critical missions such as Operation BOLEAS in Lesotho and the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). These deployments underscored his dedication not only to national defence but also to regional stability and cooperation. In a formal farewell ceremony held recently, the BDF honoured Ragalase’s outstanding contributions.
The event drew high-ranking officers, colleagues, friends, and family members all united in celebrating the legacy of a soldier who gave his all. 'Serving in the Botswana Defence Force has been a profound honour. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve my country and to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who share a passion for protecting our nation,' Ragalase said. Whilst his retirement signals the end of a remarkable era in the BDF, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. He expressed his desire to remain active in community service and veteran support initiatives, continuing his lifelong dedication to national service in a different form.
As Botswana salutes one of its finest, Lt Col Ragalase’s story will remain a shining example of what it means to serve with honour, loyalty, and excellence. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the institutions he helped shape, and the nation he so proudly served.