BDF change of guard

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) will have a new Commander with effect from next week Friday on September 1.

This follows the retirement of Lieutenant General Gaolathe Galebotswe who has reached the statutory retirement age.Speaking to The Midweek Sun, Galebotswe confirmed that he is retiring as he has reached the statutory retirement age of 55 years which is due on September 3 “It is true that I am retiring because I have reached statutory retirement age of 55 years.

I have since written a letter to the appointing authority and Commander in Chief, President Ian Khama informing him about my intention to retire. Khama has since agreed to release me on 1st September, 2016.”Galebotswe could not say who he will be handing over to, saying that was the prerogative of the appointing authority.

However, indications are that the change of command badge may lend on any of the serving two Major Generals -  Deputy Commander of BDF and previously the Commander of the Air Arm Command Major General Placid Segokgo and General Support Service Director, Major General Gotsileene Morake.

Both generals do not need any introduction. They are sons of former cabinet ministers and have served in the army for decades in different capacities. The academic Morake served among others as Chairman of the African Conference of Commandants of Staff Colleges and Director of Defence Command and Staff College, while Segokgo, a pilot by training, is a former Air Arm Commander.