BDF kicks out COVID-19 positive recruits
News
After weeks of intensive physical fitness assessment embodied by 2.4km run, push-ups and sit- ups, and additional comprehensive medical examinations, aptitude tests and security vetting, some Botswana Defence Force (BDF) recruits were informed recently that the army hierarchy has decided to eject them because they tested positive for coronavirus.
The drastic news reached the would-be recruits a few days before they could transit to the six months long training base.
The affected candidates have expressed frustration at the move by army bosses, citing that they went through and satisfied the selection process only to be undone by a virus that has become endemic in the society. We have more questions than answers following this announcement by our army trainers, said a recruit who spoke on condition of anonymity. Apparently the officers tasked with training the recruits could not comprehensively account for the decision because it was an instruction from above.
This publication has it on record that about 50 would-be recruits had to return home because they had tested positive for the virus. The main concern of these frustrated candidates is that COVID-19 was never listed as a disqualifying factor in the job adverts. They also point out that on account of the time they spent at the assessment centre, it is evident that they were free from the virus at the time of entry.
Detailing the ordeal, one of the recruits who preferred to be anonymous said they were assured that even if they could test positive for the virus, their space in the army would still be secured. I tested positive following the PCR test, this was a few days before we could leave for the training base.
I then went into a 10 day isolation period at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB). We were assured that the jobs are still ours and will travel to Pandamantenga (military training base) after 10 days. We were informed that a second test will be conducted clear us. To our surprise after the isolation period elapsed, we were told to pack our bags and go home, without further tests, the would-be recruit narrated.
At the time they were told to go back home BDF had already deposited money into their bank accounts and provided them with other necessary resources needed at the barracks for training.
According to information sourced by this publication, the recruiting officers did not have answers when asked about the decision, instead they informed the recruits that it is an instruction from army bosses.
The dejected rejected recruits had no choice but to take their belongings and travel back to their homes. We had to organize transport for ourselves, mind you we did not have cell-phones as they are prohibited at the training base. It was a struggle and imagine having to travel for more than 500km, this is unjust coming from a respected army like BDF, an emotionally charged recruit revealed.
However, the decision to snub the positive trainees is supported by the former BDF Commander Lt Gen Gaolathe Galebotswe. He reasoned that this is done in the best interest of both the trainee and the group at large.
You are tested to see if you are fit for a military training. When it is detected that there are conditions which may hamper your training, it is best they remove you because the BDF needs strong and fit candidates. The tests, if at all there are some who have been kicked out, are done not to ensure that the recruit is not put in danger or endangers others. It hurts when you are taken out, but it is done because by then you are still a candidate and you might bring the virus to a whole army.
Galebotswe said there are no sinister or ulterior motives behind the decision, because COVID-19 is a pandemic and at worst easily transmittable in a crowd hence the BDF is trying to protect lives.
BDF recruitment has in the past attracted attention after reports emerged that some would-be recruits were not absorbed because of their HIV status as well as body tattoos. Some quarters opined that this was tantamount to discrimination.
However, the COVID-19 situation, as observed by Galebotswe, tallies with what the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo has said in relation to HIV/AIDS amongst soldiers. He told Parliaments Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the virus could degrade readiness of the army.
Segokgo made the remarks last month when updating PAC Members who were concerned by allegations that some Batswana are denied the right to join the army because of their HIV status.
“I don’t get to know medical conditions of my officers, I just receive a notification of an officer being unfit for duty. I cannot and have never asked for their HIV status. I do not know whether recruits are denied the opportunity because of their HIV status. However, my responsibility is to produce an army that is ready to face different situations and HIV can degrade readiness,” Segokgo said.
However, he said there has been an argument that testing HIV positive does not mean that a person is sick adding that some of the investments in training officers are costly hence there is an argument against investing in someone who might soon be unavailable due to ill health.
With Botswana’s unemployment figures swelling despite government efforts to solve the problem, institutions such as the BDF usually receive large numbers of application as they are seen to be a gate way to employment. According to the latest update from Statistics Botswana, the youth unemployment rate went up by 1.9 percentage points over the period, from 30.5 percent to 32.4 percent.
“Unemployment rate went up by 1.3 percentage points, from 23.2 percent in quarter one of 2020, to 24.5 percent in quarter four 2020,” said the country’s Statistician General Burton Mguni.
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.