BDF sheds off bad boy tag for Mogae

Pini Bothoko | Monday May 25, 2026 06:00

But this past week, during the funeral and burial proceedings of former President, Festus Mogae the BDF reminded the nation of another side of the institution one rooted in professionalism, discipline, patriotism and honour.

From the moment the death of the former president was announced until his final burial, members of the BDF stood at the centre of every ceremony, earning praise from members of the public for executing their duties with remarkable precision and dignity.

Batswana from different walks of life commended the military for the respect and honour accorded to the late statesman, describing the funeral arrangements as orderly, emotionally moving and befitting of a man who served the country with distinction.

The week-long proceedings became more than just a national farewell to the former head of state. For many observers, they became an opportunity for the BDF to restore public confidence in itself and demonstrate that despite recent controversies involving some of its members, the institution still possesses the discipline and professionalism it was built upon over the years.

The emotional significance of the moment was perhaps best captured by BDF Commander, General Mpho Mophuting, who addressed soldiers after the burial and expressed deep gratitude and pride in the conduct displayed by the troops.

“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of pride, gratitude, emotion and profound admiration for every single member of the Botswana Defence Force,” Mophuting said. He described the late Mogae as ‘a Statesman of rare humility, wisdom, discipline and patriotism’ and said the BDF rose to the occasion with ‘extraordinary dignity, professionalism, discipline and honour.

Mophuting praised every stage of the operation, from planning and ceremonial rehearsals to security arrangements, logistics and the final burial ceremony.

“From the earliest planning stages, to the ceremonial protocols, the rehearsals, the coordination, the guards of honour, the escorts, the logistics, the security arrangements, the ceremonial precision, the military discipline, and finally the burial itself, you gave this nation your very best,” he said.

The Commander admitted he had run out of words to fully express his gratitude, saying he watched officers and soldiers work under immense pressure, long hours, exhaustion, difficult weather conditions and enormous national expectations without complaint.

“You remained focused, disciplined, calm, respectful, and deeply committed to ensuring that a great son of Botswana received the dignified farewell he deserved,” he told the troops.

What stood out throughout the funeral proceedings was the unity displayed within the force. According to Mophuting, divisions of rank and branch disappeared as everyone focused on one mission being serving Botswana with honour.

“Everyone moved together with one purpose, one heart and one mission, to serve Botswana with honour,” he said.

The Commander revealed that messages of appreciation poured in from members of the public and senior government officials, many applauding the professionalism and discipline displayed by the force throughout the state funeral.

“Others said they had never witnessed such an organised and emotionally moving State Funeral. Some spoke about how proud they were to call this their Defence Force,” he said.

Importantly, Mophuting emphasised that the praise belonged to every individual who contributed, including soldiers, officers, medics, drivers, pilots, planners, technicians, band members, chaplains and support staff. “You did not merely bury a former President. You honoured the history of Botswana. You protected the dignity of the Republic,” he said.

For an institution that has in recent years faced scrutiny over disturbing incidents involving some of its personnel, the funeral proceedings offered a rare moment for national admiration.

As stated elsewhere in this article, the BDF has frequently been criticised following reports of shootings, domestic violence cases, suicides and other violent incidents involving serving members. Such cases have often sparked public debate about mental health, discipline and social pressures within the military environment.

But during one of the country’s most solemn moments, the same institution demonstrated the discipline, structure and professionalism expected of a national defence force.

Military experts and observers often argue that institutions should not be judged solely by the actions of a few individuals but rather by their collective ability to uphold national duty when called upon. During Mogae’s funeral, the BDF appeared determined to remind the nation of its core values.

The image of disciplined soldiers standing guard, the flawless ceremonial parades, the coordinated escorts and the calm execution of duties throughout the mourning period left a lasting impression on many citizens.

At times, emotion could be seen on the faces of ordinary Batswana who attended the proceedings, with many praising the military for ensuring that the late former president was given the highest honour and respect.

Mophuting himself admitted that watching the proceedings filled him with humility and pride.

“At certain moments during the proceedings, I looked at the precision of the parade, the discipline of the troops, the solemnity of the ceremonies and the emotion in the eyes of ordinary citizens, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and humility,” he said.

He further noted that leadership is not measured by words but by the conduct and character of those under one’s command. “I realised that leadership is not measured by the words a Commander speaks, but by the character, professionalism and conduct of the men and women he is privileged to lead,” he said.

Following the burial, Mophuting honoured members of the national committee, the BDF Technical Committee and all BDF personnel who directly participated in the funeral arrangements by awarding them certificates in recognition of their contribution.

The recognition symbolised more than appreciation for a successful operation. It represented acknowledgment of a moment in which the Botswana Defence Force managed to reconnect with the admiration and trust of many citizens.

As Botswana continues to grapple with concerns surrounding crime and violence involving some members of disciplined forces, the funeral of former president Festus Mogae may ultimately be remembered not only as a farewell to a respected statesman, but also as a moment in which the BDF reminded the nation of the professionalism, unity and patriotism that still exist within its ranks.