“The Minister of Defence should always brief his colleagues and take them on board,” he added. Hence the BDF was a part of the 2017 Swedish trip to negotiate and assess the Gripen fighter jets. Get the latest news and e-edition  and exclusive offers! BETWEEN THE EAGLE AND THE DRAGON: IS THERE A BETTER DEVIL? Breaking News. The BDF will soon become irrelevant, if it is not already.”. The Gripen fighter jets became something of a reprise for General Galebotswe, returning to the subject several times in the course of our interview with him. Created by Intellegere Media. ePaper. I may be biased towards the army, but I am certain that all these positions, if well considered, are equal in measure.”. All Botswana newspapers and diaspora blogs online. The Botswana Gazette is a leading Botswana midweek newspaper . According to Galebotswe this is not the first time MPs are not fully engaged on military issues. Paperboy Visitors looking for newspapers and obits in Botswana, often visit the following local papers: Daily News Online Mmegi Online The Voice Botswana Guardian Online Midweek Sun Ngami Times Sunday Standard Weekend Post Ibotswana. Botswana Guardian. The late General Mompati Merafhe was having exchanges with the late Paul Rantao on the issue and General Merafhe responded that they could not take MPs into their confidence because they could tell the enemy.”. More News. GAZETTE REPORTER BSE-listed diamond explorer, Botswana Diamonds (BOD), has entered into a cooperation agreement to fund exploration of its prospecting licence assets in Botswana with Diamexstrat Botswana Pty Ltd (DESB)which in turn has an alliance agreement with Burgundy Diamond Mines Limited, this publication has established. All Rights Reserved. “Some politick with it. At some point when we went to Lesotho, there was an uproar with our MPs complaining that they had only heard through CNN that we were in Lesotho on a peace-keeping mission. According to him, the BDF – like any other public entity – deserves to work in an enabling environment with the necessary resources to achieve its mandate. The battalion can deploy rapidly, execute early entry operations, and execute missions to the full spectrum of operations. “But Promises were made and never met because the airbase remains an empty structure which does not have the necessary military equipment except old aircraft. “But we have relegated that to history and the debate about our readiness at that time has turned into mere academic exercises. Botswana’s 400 metre sprinter, Baboloki Thebe, was this week fined P3000.00 and had his driver’s licence suspended for a year after pleading guilty to... Portia Mlilo 3 days ago News Asked about what Botswana contributed in the past, an “infantry battalion” was the answer. “President Quett Masire in particular ruled Botswana when its territorial integrity and national sovereignty were most at risk from minority ruled South Africa, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South West Africa (now Namibia). Publications Stacks Followers . ePaper 11 months ago. Goose Creek and Hanahan's Community Newspaper www.ourgazette.com In this rough terrain you always have to maintain a certain level of readiness for ‘just in case’ purposes but I am afraid the BDF is lagging behind while repeated efforts by the army to sensitise the powers that be about this seem to be falling on deaf ears. The Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Newfoundland. The word 'MMEGI' is Setswana for 'The Reporter'. Botswana Guardian - Recognized for its ground-breaking and fearless reporting in politics and business news, making it decision maker's best friend. An infantry battalion is the first level of command that includes assigned staff supporting a commander. They were chosen, he said, also for their economical fuel consumption, suitability for training and cost-effective maintenance as neighbouring South Africa had Gripens too. General Galebotswe was a part of a cohort that alerted the government to matters relating to force modernisation and air assets which are currently a hot potato for the government. “It should be done through the Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Security, which is the right structure. “The BDF is going through a rough time,” he emphasised. Sun ePaper Wednesday 22 April 2020. We thought we were fine with a makeshift army thinking we were not a threat to anybody.”, What would it take for the army to get what it deserves, we asked? Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy, BDF COMMANDER SHOULD RESTRICT ASSISTANCE TO DECEASED SOLDIERS, NOT THEIR FAMILIES. We proposed force modernisation, including air assets or fighter jets. General Galebotswe differs and considers this a rudimentary way of analysing national security. Operation and maintenance costs were high and not sustainable.”, Resistance to army procurement flows from a general view that Botswana has more urgent problems like unemployment, among others, than the need for military modernisation, especially in peacetime. Mmegi Online - Botswana's leading DAILY and WEEKLY newspapers for News, Business, Economics, Sport, Lifestyle, and Entertainment. Botswana Government Gazette dated 2020-03-20 number 23 (382.5 KB, PDF) Botswana Government Gazette dated 2020-03-24 number 26 (127.7 KB, PDF) Botswana Government Gazette dated 2020-03-25 number 27 (117.3 KB, PDF) The BDF ‘s fighter capability is compromised at the moment.”, “An example of the 1978 Lesoma incident in which 17 Batswana, 15 of whom were soldiers, were killed in an ambush by the then Rhodesian regime should have been a wake-up call for us,” he said. The 600 000-strong organisation is anxious to prevent the near-monopoly parastatal … “Commanders are not politicians and so have limitations on how to engage and to what extent with politicians,” he noted. “There is not enough education or political will to inform the nation about what we are faced with here,” came the response. I still believe. It was not General Khama who was behind procurement of Gripen fighter jets, as many were led to believe. Latest news & videos, daily press review. General Galebotswe, who is now a member of an opposition party that is against the idea of procurement for the BDF, noted that he was aware of his party’s position on the matter. Dare to Dream sparks up Women’s Day! Former Commander of Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Lieutenant General Gaolathe Galebotswe, partly blames the Minister of Defence Justice and Security for not doing enough to engage Members of Parliament on the arising need to procure fighter jets in order to improve national security and enhance the BDF’s readiness. Even so, General Galebotswe insists that Botswana needs to go into an extensive modernisation programme for the army as soon as yesterday because the BDF has for far too long depended on outdated handouts most of which are now unsafe to use. Box 1079AAD, Gaborone, Botswana T (+267) 31 88 784 F (+267) 31 88 798 Gaborone International Commerce Park Plot 104, Moores Rowland, Unit 21 Gaborone, Botswana Corporate 11 months ago. In an exclusive interview with this publication this week, General Galebotswe ascribed the air assets controversy to failure to engage parliament meaningful and timely, “the issue of military air assets should have been tabled and addressed better, perhaps first by engaging Parliament through the relevant committee to make MPs appreciate what is at stake.”. The government has been having a headache to accede to BDF demands in the midst of resistance. “It goes way back. P. O. 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News 2 years ago ‘Bogadi … In short, we have learnt nothing. Botswana Council Of Churches Caution Delinquent Church Leaders Against Covid-19 Vaccine Falsehoods. For this, he says, Seretse was dead on point because commanders are technocrats. “Thebephatshwa airbase was the only modern type of military investment that we ever saw in this country which was a modernisation exercise,” he noted in the interview. Sun ePaper Wednesday 29 April 2020. Corporate. The airbase only has the vintage aircraft and ground equipment most of which have had to be refurbished.”. General Galebotswe posits that MPs were never taken on board, though they are expected to debate, qualify and support this. “Botswana’s first three presidents, Seretse Khama (1965-1980), Quett Masire (1980-1998) and Festus Mogae (1998-2008), although all determined to safeguard Botswana’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, always put diplomacy above military might,” the petition read. “We could be having an army that is not fit for the purpose due to its unreadiness. “We cannot always see things from the same angle. Botswana.direct.news website: Live news from Botswana. BOTSWANA GAZETTE found in Yellow Pages Botswana. Most do not even know what they are talking about. UAE: The Manufacturing Hub for Business Investors. At any rate, the general noted, Botswana does not exist in isolation and should contribute to regional and continental security, hence the need to have the right equipment. ... [Botswana Gazette] 11/03/2021. An English language newspaper from Gaborone, Botswana. All Rights Reserved. It can conduct effective combat or other operations immediately upon arrival to assist in prevention, containment, stabilisation, or resolution of a conflict. I saved a life. At this juncture, the purpose was to explain their versatility and multiplicity of roles, including non-military tasks like emergencies and disasters. Just last week, the government once again refuted that it was buying fighter jets for the BDF in response to the growing criticism. Copyright © 2021 The Botswana Gazette, All rights Reserved. Over the years The Botswana Gazette has established itself as a leading midweek newspaper that enjoys wide coverage nationally due to its extensive distribution network in … BURS – COVID19 Tax Reliefs & Obligations during the LOCKDOWN. News. What if it happens? He adds that the other problem is that Botswana does not have the national security framework which looks into policy, resource allocation and execution challenges like these will continue to haunt the nation. Don’t deny your men sex, women urged. The Untold Story Of Sylvia Muzila, The Fearless Woman Of Many Firsts, Africa Has An Estimated 9610 Lions In 2020, Human Rights In Sadc: a Brave New World Beckons, Making Use Of Tax-Free Travel Concessions, Global Action Is The Only Way To Get Ahead Of Covid-19, Botswana: Executions Of Two People Show Contempt For Right To Life Under President Masisi’s Government, 2021 Budget Speech Reveals Callousness of the BDP, Only the private sector can save Botswana economy from COVID-19 collapse, The war on corruption must start inside Domkrag. P. O. “They know my views on this subject,” he said. 5 talking about this. 7 talking about this. Should that happen, you should know that we are not ready. In 2017, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the party that the retired general has joined, authored a 10-page document titled “Botswana’s Arms Race in the midst of Poverty, Massive Unemployment and Social Inequality” as a petition to sway the Swedish government against selling the fighter jets to Botswana. ... Business Botswana media sectors calls for media levy. Sun ePaper Wednesday 29 April 2020. He he likened the frustrations of the BDF to that of a helpless man who has surrendered to fate. The military would be the laughing stock. Today's top local news, government, crime, business, and education stories from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Corridor. When Botswana was in dispute with Namibia over a part of its territory, Masire did not resort to a military solution but took the matter to the International Court of Justice for adjudication.”, Meanwhile, according to Stockholm International Peace Research (SIPRI), Botswana’s military expenditure jumped from US$ 292 million in 1998 to US$ 377 million in 2008 to US$ 436 million in 2015. The Gazette (Newfoundland), the official newspaper of Memorial University of Newfoundland, located in St. John's, Newfoundland; New Zealand. Our site uses cookies. The Botswana Congress Party recently welcomed within its fold two new members from the ruling Bot... Read More. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy, CHOPPIES CLARIFICATION ON TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, Opposition Questions Bdp’s Logic In Rejecting Motion On Electoral Reforms, More Mysery For AG, PPADB in P450m Road Tender Raw, Botswana Council Of Churches Caution Delinquent Church Leaders Against Covid-19 Vaccine Falsehoods, Choppies Embraces Idea Of Contact-Less Stores Idea, Women demand SADC accountability for timelines, Len Bakeries finds sweet success in its indigenous cakes, COSBOTS pays out P279K in supplementary distribution, Motlha reunites with Roc Lefatshe Records, Sasa Klaas, the First Lady of Hip-Hop, rests, BOD Partners With Local Company To Boost Exploration In CKGR, Gov’t Is Not Averse To Uber-Type Transport – Segokgo, BIMC ’21: Life Inside and Outside the COVID-19 Bubble, Cricket youngsters set sights on Under-19 World Cup, Poor preps halted our progress – Motshegare, Nijel, Amantle can reign supreme again – Dube. “We are a member of SADC and AU standby forces and they look to us to contribute what we have,” he pointed out. The Botswana Government Gazette is printed by Department of Government Printing and Publishing Services, Private Bag 0081, GABORONE, Republic of Botswana. New Zealand Gazette, the official publication of the New Zealand … At some point former defence minister Ramadeluka Seretse asked this committee to allow him to be the one to present to them as an equal instead of the BDF commander, and he was allowed,” he says. Annual subscription rates are P600,00 post free surface mail, SADC Countries airmail P1,357,00, Rest of Africa airmail P1,357,00, Europe and USA airmail P1,735,00. “That nothing will happen is pathetic, to say the least. Box 1079AAD, Gaborone, Botswana T (+267) 31 88 784 F (+267) 31 88 798 Gaborone International Commerce Park Plot 104, Moores Rowland, Unit 21 Gaborone, Botswana Goose Creek and Hanahan's Community Newspaper www.ourgazette.com Get the latest news and e-edition  and exclusive offers! National security is a priority among other priorities like education, poverty, unemployment and so on. Our site uses cookies. English-language newspapers Botswana. Subscribe to The Gazette's daily newsletter. News. You can now read our newspaper online. BPC defends German CEO appointment over locals. The Business Weekly & Review Newspaper. Bontle Lulu Lesiapeto Pioneers Change through PR. Some speak against it due to ignorance. Copyright © 2021 The Botswana Gazette, All rights Reserved. It was the BDF’s idea following a thorough security assessment. Local news, sports, hawkeyes, obituaries, events and more for Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Corridor. “That’s not how we plan in the military,” he said. Subscribe to The Gazette's daily newsletter. Breaking & Latest News | Political, Business, Financial, Sport, Style, Lifestyle and Northern Extra - Botswana Guardian The retired army commander took the opportunity to warn that due to the reluctance to fund the military and modernise it, the BDF has turned into a mere monument that is “extremely vulnerable” and “unready” to perform its primary mandate of protecting the territory of Botswana and Batswana. BURS – COVID19 Tax Reliefs & Obligations during the LOCKDOWN. The retired army commander took the opportunity to warn that due to the reluctance to fund the military and modernise it, the BDF has turned into a mere monument that is “extremely vulnerable” and “unready” to perform its primary mandate of protecting the territory of Botswana and Batswana. African Business Directory. “The policy framework is that an attack on one is an attack on all and we have to contribute certain capabilities in peacekeeping and peace enforcement, which can entail fighting.”. The Botswana Gazette, a daily newspaper published in Gaborone, Botswana; Canada. Created by Intellegere Media. Copyright ©2021, THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE. I may be biased towards the military, but what I know is that we are living in a volatile environment where you may never know where and when your next attacker will come from. A decision was taken by the BDF that we needed to conscientise our principals that it is no longer profitable to keep the current assets or fighter aircraft. Copyright ©2021, THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE. The minister, he said, should do this also as a member of the Defence Council. A Botswana based business, economic and financial investigations weekly newspaper. Botswana Scales Up Testing Targets 20 000 In Community Sample Testing... Read More. ePaper. Gaborone, BW. Pioneers of the HIV/AIDS war .