Mohwasa applauds BDF’s commitment towards excellence
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday December 10, 2025 06:00
He was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Senior Command and Staff Programme (SCSP) Class 17 of 2025, held recently at Glen Valley Barracks.
A total of 60 participants completed the intensive programme, including 43 from various BDF units, seven from government departments and ministries, and 10 from allied countries of Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, there were two participants from the Botswana Police Service, one from Botswana Prisons Service, the Office of the President, the Ministry of International Relations and Co-operation, and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, respectively.
Mohwasa described the moment as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty that characterise Botswana’s defence personnel. He said the men and women of the BDF remained the quiet custodians of the country’s peace, stability, and sovereignty, adding that their role underpinned the nation’s democratic strength.
He praised the Defence Command and Staff College for consistently producing officers of exceptional calibre, individuals equipped with the strategic thinking, discipline, and professionalism demanded of a modern defence force. He stated that the BDF’s continued investment in human capital had become a hallmark of its legacy.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the presence of officers from across Africa as a testament to the strength of continental relationships. He noted that the participation of soldiers from Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe reinforced regional solidarity and collective security.
“Military diplomacy of this nature strengthens co-operation, improves interoperability, and enhances readiness for multinational missions such as those in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
Mohwasa also applauded the involvement of officers from key domestic institutions, saying cross-government collaboration remained central to Botswana’s National Security Strategy. Such partnerships, he said, strengthened the country’s ability to respond to emerging and multidimensional threats.
He further highlighted the collaboration between the BDF and the University of Botswana, which has allowed graduates to earn master's degrees or diplomas in Defence and Strategic Studies alongside their military training. This integration of academic and defence expertise, he said, better equips officers to navigate complex global security dynamics.
The minister stressed that strong and reliable security institutions were essential to achieving Vision 2036, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme.
Mohwasa said, “Security is the anchor upon which development stands, according to Joseph Nye: ‘Security is like oxygen; you notice it only when it is gone.’”
Mohwasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the BDF in line with emerging threats, whilst ensuring a balanced approach to national spending across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. He also commended the BDF Commander’s insistence on financial prudence, saying a disciplined force must also be fiscally disciplined, a principle that aligns with Botswana’s fiscal sustainability goals under National Development Plan 12.
He urged graduates to lead with integrity, accountability, courage, humility, and empathy, adding that the profession of arms demanded resilience and ethical leadership. He also applauded the class for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative at Gowa Junior Secondary School valued at P669,219.20, describing it as a true demonstration of botho.
The minister extended appreciation to the faculty of the Defence Command and Staff College for their dedication and professionalism, noting that their efforts had been instrumental in shaping the graduates into capable leaders.
“Congratulations. You have endured long nights, complex exercises, and demanding academic work. Today, your perseverance has borne fruit,” he said, also thanking the families of the officers for their support.