BDF freezes its promotions

THE "NTLOLE" SALARY JOURNEY: THE ARMY'S CASES

The Botswana Defense (BDF) gave his soldiers one hand and caught another, he appeared.

This is what happened after the euphoria and enthusiasm that invaded the barracks of the BDF following astronomical wage increases was interrupted by the commander of the BDF, General Placid Segokgo, who had announced delayed promotions.

Segokgo dropped the bomb that cooled the excited spirits of the soldiers who had stamped the incredible salary increase "Ntlole" and created a dance around it on May 31st.

The commander's announcement, according to a source in the military, has lowered morale, with many believing that the April 1 wage adjustment would be a precursor to many other good things, including planned and better promotions. terms of service.

The salary increase that left soldiers earning two or three times their salary was hasty and random as it was not planned in the 2019/2020 budget, which resulted in the suspension of some important projects of the army. claims.

"At the moment, the main goal will be to ensure that soldiers receive the prize that we promised them and the promotion of others would put more pressure on the institution already running out of money. Money, "added the source who explained that, using the term" delayed ", the commander was tactful and was trying to buy time.

"The promotions are normally announced around BDF Day, in April, but until now, there was a deafening silence on the issue until the controversy over the backup appeared," she said. he declared.

Meanwhile, director of protocol and public affairs of the BDF. Colonel Tebo Kacho Dikole confirmed the delay in the promotions, but refused to go into details, saying that it was an internal problem that was not intended for public consumption.

"The Botswana Defense Forces can confirm that the BDF Commander issued a circular on May 31, 2019 in which he briefly informs BDF members that members' promotions for the 2019/20 financial year will be delayed. The essence of the Savingram Circular, which is internal and clbadified, is based on the fact that BDF promotions for deserving members are usually held in May / June and the end of November each year, subject in particular to the availability of vacancies and from the budget. The recipients of the Savingram circular are specifically members of the BDF and it is therefore regrettable to see the same on public social media platforms, "he replied in writing.

BDF 2019/2020's operating budget was the third largest, with £ 6.86 billion, to cover the operating costs of BDF, the police and prisons.