Not all members of Botswana Defence Force who were deployed in the Cabo Delgado Province under SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) have received their allowances as per the agreement with the employer.
The unpaid group, which comprises mostly soldiers from the lower ranks such as Private and Lance Corporal, told this publication that although they came back from the mission more than two months back, they have not received their allowances.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, the group complained that their superiors were paid long back while their money has been withheld without explanation.
“Some have bought new cars and sharing with their families and friends while we have nothing except T-shirts to appreciate the support we gave,” said one of disgruntled soldiers.
The soldiers further pointed out that they wanted the BDF management to treat them as equals as they deserve much better than the silence they are currently getting from the army bosses.
However, BDF spokesperson, Colonel Magosi Moshagane, assured them that the Mission Support Allowance is still being processed and will be paid in due course.
“For the record, all members of the BDF who recently returned from the mission have been paid Foreign Deployment Allowance and Family Allowance for those who are married.”
He said that it was worth noting that the SAMIM is funded on a cost-sharing basis between Personnel Contributing Countries and SADC.
“SADC pledged to pay Mission Support Allowance to deployed troops, which they are entitled to. Married service members are entitled to Family Allowance for the entire duration of the mission,” Moshagane explained.
