The second Military Garrison in Francistown commemorated the BDF day in style during the weekend as it held a mess night as part of the BDF day celebrations which were held in Gaborone. The mess night was attended by different stakeholders among others the mayor of Francistown, Sylvia Muzila.
Giving the keynote address, the Brigadier of the 2nd Military Garrison, Benjamin Masunga said it is pleasing to note that BDF has grown to be an army that has the capability to combat emerging security challenges such as terrorism, poaching and cross border illegal activities.
“There are other commendable activities that the BDF is actively involved in such as aids to civil authorities particularly disaster management, outreach programmes by individual units and donations to various volunteer organizations that deal with needy people. The success of any military is dependent on the community it serves hence it is our wish to foster a good relationship with the communities in all the four corners of Botswana. We are gathered here to nurture that relationship,” he said.
Brigadier Masunga added that it is through such interactions that the defence force can touch on pertinent issues that it may not have had the opportunity to discuss in the confines of its conference rooms and offices.
“The mess night is therefore not just a mere dinner but an important tool through which we link up with our principles and different stakeholders,” he said.
Giving a brief background of his career in the BDF, Masunga said he took over the reins to head the Second Millitary Garrison as Brigadier from brigadier Molefi Seikanyo who had been with the Force since 2010. He further commended his deputy Colonel Shadrack Kgosi and Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Keebine Kgakge for their cordial working relationship.
“May I remind you that today we celebrate the establishment of our defence force an act which came after a long and thorough deliberation by the then parliament. Theirs was a commendable undertaking for many Batswana would have lost their property and belongings from the raids by the neighbouring forces. Today we live in peace and harmony because of their visionary leadership,” concluded Brigadier Masunga.
The BDF band also mesmerised the event as it performed different genres of music. Other activities to spice up the event included poetry, traditional dance and the BDF choir.
