BDF honours over 500 soldiers

More than 500 deserving current and former members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers were on Thursday honoured during the 49th Medal Awards Parade at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane. The officers were honoured for the outstanding service and conduct in military duties. The awarding of medals was done by President Advocate Duma Boko, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

According to BDF’s Colonel Tswelelopele Timothy, a total of 528 personnel received medals across five categories. Timothy said 134 officers were awarded the Duty Code Order (DCO), while 297, including five former members received the Pearl Jubilee Medal (PJM). Another 84 officers were honoured with the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) and 13 soldiers received the Foreign Service Medal (FSM).

Timothy explained that the awards served as token of appreciation for dedication, discipline and commitment demonstrated by the members of the BDF. “Individuals from different ranks from various units are awarded medals,” he said. President Boko, accompanied by the BDF Commander, General Mpho Mophuting, led the medal presentation, beginning with the Duty Code Order, followed by the Pearl Jubilee Medal categories.

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Other awards, which included Distinguished Service Medal, Long Service Order and Foreign Service Medal were presented by senior government officials, among them, Vice President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe and the Assistant Minister of State President, Defence and Security, Ms Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to commissioned officers with at least 20 years of continuous service and good conduct, while the Long Service Order recognises personnel who have served a minimum of 15 years with discipline and dedication.

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