BDF celebrates 47th anniversary

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday May 28, 2024 06:00

 

BDF Day remains one of the most popular events in the country's calendar as it continues to pull sizeable military enthusiasts.

For some reason, the different activities often associated with the day never seem to grow old and boring for the fans, who just cannot get enough of the variety of entertainment dished out by military personnel. Some displays make a comeback every year for the celebrations. The acts still remain a hit for both the young and the old. For example, the BDF clowns will remain one of the fans' favourites and the main ingredient in spicing the gracious event. President Mokgweetsi Masisi graced the event in a colourful military parade to celebrate the army's 47th year of existence accompanied by First Lady Neo Masisi.

Others who also thronged the event were Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, and several other senior government officials. This year's anniversary was held under the theme 'Transforming The Military For A Culture Of High-Performance In Service Delivery Through Mindset Change'. On arrival, President Masisi took a lap of honour around the National Stadium track escorted by a white horse-mounted guard before inspecting a full Guard of Honour. Through the annual BDF Day, the military continues to exhibit its capability to live up to its motto, ‘Thebe Ya Sechaba’ (shield of the nation).

This year’s celebrations continued to speak volumes of a disciplined, hardworking force ready to thwart any threat. The day’s activities kicked off with Masisi inspecting a Guard of Honour followed by the main parade that started with a slow march that was segmented into four parts and ended with a quick march off the pitch. Through displays such as the civilian participation drill, the army showed its professional training standards, skills and talent. Members of the public were entertained by a pantsula dance performed by soldiers, a traditional dance, and a choir by members of BDF and out-of-uniform staff.

As usual, the tug-of-war competition between BDF-headquartered staff and BDF ground forces command left the masses mesmerised as the army women showed off who was the strongest amongst them all in the activity that the former won. The former had won the first and second rounds, whilst the latter struggled throughout all the rounds. The women's tug-of-war was followed by the men's tug-of-war, which was also between BDF-headquartered staff and BDF ground forces command, the tussle that was won by the BDF-headquartered team with a 2-1 aggregate. Another tug of war was between the Defence Logistics Command and Air Arm Command, which was won by the Air Arm Command with a 2-0 aggregate. The BDF Band display continued to mesmerise military enthusiasts with different songs the soldiers showcased. Moreover, the event that capped the day's celebrations was the drama depicting incidences of gender-based violence, obstacles, and noisy mock battles, as the military demonstrated that they were not spared from the ravages of illicit regimes in some war-torn nations.