A Commander’s BDF fears
News
By Aubrey Lute
The national army, Botswana Defence Force, charged with the responsibility to defend the country and providing for the citizens’ security, may be living in fear and not fit for purpose if what the recently retired Air Arm Commander, Major General, Innocent Phatshwane is saying is anything to go by.
In an exclusive interview with this publication at his home last week, Phatshwane who joined the Army in 1980 as a pilot, rising through the ranks to command the arm, painted a gloomy and depressing picture of the army, especially his department which he said was the integral part and pride of modern day military institutions.
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The Mozambique situation, he said, should serve as a gentle reminder to the political wing of the dire and urgent needs of the BDF operating in a cut-throat volatile world of conflicts. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has already warned that Botswana may not be spared.
“Our air and fire power as an integral component of our force power is seriously compromised. Our fighter jets have been retired, we do not have radar monitoring system of our own as an army and are currently relying on Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) to monitor and police our air space. Sadly our air space is unmarked and remains everybody‘s playground, the BDF does not have the capacity to enforce or challenge identified threats invading our territory,” revealed Phatshwane.
The BDF air arm needs are so serious that they have stationed soldiers at CAAB to share the use of the radar monitoring system, a deal which is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions, according to Phatshwane. “Like with the Fighter Jets, the BDF radar is outdated and has not been replaced,” stressed Phatshwane.
The 62-year-old Nata-born General revealed that the BDF has in the past watched helplessly as unknown aircrafts invaded our territory, “we just waited for them to do what they do and leave, we can’t challenge them, with what?” he said reiterating his former Commander, General Gaolathe Galebotswe’s startling revelations last year.
The Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS) declined to comment on the challenges faced by the BDF when asked about whether they (DIS) is aware of the said challenges and what their view was.
Phatshwane was one man who has been leading calls for the army to procure the controversial Swedish Gripen fighter jets and says the refusal by the government has disappointed the army, “it is true that I proposed Gripen, solely for their suitability for our local conditions and economic circumstances.
This was necessitated by the urgent and precarious situation that was presented by a collapsing Air Arm which is an essential component of the force.
“General Galebotswe and the current Commander General Segokgo strongly shared my view but the army‘s request is being rejected. We have presented the challenges to the political leadership, but in vain,” revealed Phatshwane who added that their view was also that a small country like Botswana needed these machines not only for air superiority but as a deterrence strategy to future attackers and supporting other civic calamities or needs due to their ability to land everywhere.
He blames the refusal by the government to limited or lack of military and national security knowledge, “I am sorry to say this, but our politicians’ lack of knowledge on military and national security is the reason the BDF is where it is today. There is a huge gap between what they know and what they don’t and this matter has to be looked into.
I am starting to think we should take our politicians on regular military facilities tours to make them understand and appreciate what we are talking about because they often say things from a point of ignorance and cheap politicking on serious matters,” stated Phatshwane.
He implores former soldiers to join politics to be the light that is lacking in political administrations, “the BDF and national security were better under General (Ian) Khama. I think he tried to balance the military and civic priorities very well.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said about the current administration, and please, get me right, this is not politics but just my views,” he said further adding that the army by nature does not instantly give you return on investment but eats from the government.
The BDF has about ten fighter Jets, all of which have been retired. About two have crashed, one in the famous Gaborone Golf Club incident and another in Thebephatshwa.
The retirement of the jets is a great cause of stress to the BDF. They continue to eat from the BDF resources due to their needs for routine engine and parts demands to keep them in an appealing position to any future bidders.
“We had decided to sell these fighter jets through a tender,” says Phatshwane. In most cases the bidders will be some countries which may be interested in using the jets for spare parts or training purposes. But the painful truth is that a whole sale of these retired jets would not even buy or afford a single good-conditioned fighter jet.
The process of selling involves the original equipment manufacturers who have a say as per the procurement contract for disposal due the objects high security classifications. The decision to retire the Jets has also hit hard on the Fighter Jets pilots who have now been relegated to operate low class aircrafts-mostly C1 30 and others.
Some BDF fighter pilots told this publication that the prevailing challenges within their arm have greatly affected their professional growth and efficiency, “we have been downgraded.
It’s demoralising and we will obviously get rusty from the long rest away from our area of specialty. Where do you think we will be in about 20 years if the country decides to buy fighter jets,” charged a visibly demoralised BDF air fighter.
This view is buttressed by his former boss, Phatshwane who says: “aircrafts are not something you buy off the shelves, they take years to manufacture and others for pilots to familiarise themselves with. The fighter will obviously need another training which will also be costly to the army. But this is not the issue, the issue is what happens now if a calamity strikes,” he said.
Apart from having failed to convince the political wing to equip the BDF and modernise the air arm, Phatshwane says he leaves the BDF a content man, having left the squadron officers school functional and having helped to establish the Non Commissioned Offices to train officers which were previously training at international schools.
“I actually feel ashamed that I am leaving an arm that cannot manage and control its airspace,” he closed. Phatshwane lauded the army for all it has done to him from discipline to his academic achievements, adding: “I have been grateful to have served my country with pride and honour,” he said.
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The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.
BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.
In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.
With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.
In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.
Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.
These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.
Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.
When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.
“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”
Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”
Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.
“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”
Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.
Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.
“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”
Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.
The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.
Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.
The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.
Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.
This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.
Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.
Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.