BDF honors long-serving employees
Tuesday was a day of celebration for the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) as the army held a special parade at its Donga Barracks in Francistown to celebrate its long-serving members, both past and present.
In total, 163 soldiers who served/serve in the north of the country (Francistown, Maun or Selibe Phikwe) were recognised.
Two types of awards were handed out on the day: The Pearl Jubilee Medal, for soldiers who worked diligently for the BDF for 30 years or more, and the Long Service Medal, given to personnel with over 15 years honorable service.
Smiling from ear-to-ear, Pearl Jubilee recipient, Ookeditse Diruti said that when he joined the defence force in 1992, he never dared dream that one day he would be standing in-front of his comrades accepting such a prestigious award.
“This is a great achievement, and it motivates me to go far with BDF. This is my 31st year with the organisation. What made me to keep going is patience and the love for my job,” declared Diruti.
Another award winner, Corporal Gaone Vandie Maifale, celebrating 16 years with the BDF, said it was honour to work for and defend his country.
“I like the soldier I am. I put the lives of Batswana first, even at home my family knows that when it’s time for work, I take it seriously and they are the ones who motivate me,” Maifale told The Voice, putting his years of dedicated service down to hard work, discipline and commitment to the job he loves.
