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Eight (8) Botswana Defence Force (BDF) personnel have completed a Rapid Skills Training Programme delivered in partnership with the University of Botswana (UB). The initiative marks another milestone in the institutions’ collaboration to strengthen professional capacity and workplace performance.

The closing and certificate presentation ceremony was held on the 8th of October 2026 at the UB Council Chamber where participants were recognised for completing the programme and encouraged to apply their learning in their respective roles.

In his remarks, Acting Vice Chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke, commended the BDF for investing in the professional development of its personnel. He emphasised the value of strategic partnerships between the University and national institutions in preparing individuals to perform effectively and improve service delivery.

“As you receive your certificates today, I encourage you to see them not simply as recognition of what you have completed but as a reminder of what you can achieve. Continue to learn, continue to grow and continue to serve with distinction. On behalf of the University of Botswana, I congratulate you and wish you every success in the journey ahead,” he said.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Maria Nnyepi, highlighted the importance of collaboration between UB and the BDF in promoting professional development and lifelong learning. She congratulated the participants on reaching this milestone and acknowledged the stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful delivery of the programme.

The Commandant of the Defence Command and Staff College, Brigadier Dr Steve Thaga, also congratulated the graduands, commending their discipline, commitment and dedication throughout the training. He emphasised the importance of translating classroom learning into practical workplace outcomes.

“These skills have practical value. They help us analyse information, solve problems, use technology effectively and make informed decisions. They also give us greater confidence to learn something unfamiliar and to take on new responsibilities,” he said.

Brigadier Dr Thaga encouraged the graduands to uphold professionalism, integrity, teamwork and excellence while remaining committed to continuous development in support of the BDF’s operational effectiveness.

The eight (8) graduates are Tumisang Keitebetse, Theo Mabulana, Prince Thebo Mmonadibe, Sesha Moanatau, Omaatla Loago Moloi, Keaboka Mpontshang, Kgato Nyenye and Tumo Lobaka Pheto. Tumisang Keitebetse received special recognition, winning both Best Student and Best Overall awards for outstanding performance in the programme.

The Director of the Department of Professional Education and Development (DPED), Mr Richard Neill, expressed gratitude to the BDF for its partnership with the University while acknowledging the contributions of the facilitators and all those who supported the programme and ceremony.

Mr Neill reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to continued collaboration with the BDF in professional training and development, reflecting UB’s broader role in working with national institutions to strengthen human capacity and contribute to effective service delivery.