Keep the BDF above politics
Friday, September 15, 2023 | 130 Views |
The longstanding feud between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, Ian Khama, which has been simmering since 2018, has recently taken a concerning turn.
The government, through the Minister for Defence and Security, issued a lengthy press release responding to Khama’s allegations, raising concerns that the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) may be inadvertently dragged into this political battle.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...