General Mophuting should prioritise soldiers welfare

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.