General Mophuting should prioritise soldiers welfare

Mmegi Editor | Tuesday November 4, 2025 11:30

In his acceptance speech, Mophuting sounded like a man who has been ready to take over the reins as he unveiled his reform-driven agenda yesterday. If his speech is anything to go by, the BDF looks like it is headed in the right direction under his leadership. This, however, does not mean that the previous leaders were not good stewards.

Commander Mophuting has set out an agenda that prioritises people-centred modernisation, leadership transformation, justice reforms, and fiscal discipline as the pillars that will define his tenure. That's a good start. However, top of that agenda should be to prioritise soldiers' welfare. Soldiers' welfare, particularly accommodation, is a priority because good housing improves morale, operational readiness, and helps with attracting and retaining personnel.

Inadequate housing can negatively impact a soldier's morale and effectiveness; therefore, governments and military organisations should focus on providing safe, comfortable, and modern living spaces. The housing of the soldiers also plays a crucial role in their psychological wellbeing.

Soldiers should not be concerned and distracted by inadequate housing whilst discharging their duties of protecting and safeguarding our beloved nation. Therefore, our brave men and women in uniform deserve nothing less than safe, comfortable, and modern living spaces that will allow them to recharge, rest, and prepare to fulfil their worthy duties.

As it is, there are instances where soldiers are living amongst civilians wherever they can find accommodation, and in some barracks, two or more families share a single accommodation under deplorable conditions. Soldiers need to have their dignity, and it is with hope that Mophuting's agenda will address these issues.

He has pledged to continue reforms within the military justice system to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. That's another area that the new commander should be commended for outlining as a priority. He has warned that discipline without justice “is tyranny”, adding that a credible justice system is central to professionalism. This vision embodies a characteristic of a leader who is progressive and open-minded.