02/09/2026
BDF AND NDF LAUNCH JOINT EXERCISE TSHWARAGANO III IN LOBATSE
The Acting Commander, Lieutenant General Joseph Eno Seelo has officially opened Exercise Tshwaragano III at the Combat Service Support College in Lobatse. Ex-Tshwaragano III is part of the existing Cooperation between Botswana and Namibia, which was previously facilitated through the bilateral frameworks of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC), the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS), and the present-day Bi-National Commission (BNC).
When officially opening the exercise, Lieutenant General Joseph Seelo mentioned that the exercise “provides an important platform for the Botswana Defence Force and the Namibian Defence Force to deepen interoperability, improve operational effectiveness and exchange professional knowledge and experience. More importantly, it allows our personnel to train together, understand one another and build the confidence necessary for effective cooperation.” “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the Namibian Defence Force for their continued commitment to this partnership. Your presence here is a clear demonstration of the strong and enduring bond between our two institutions and our two nations,” expressed Lt Gen Seelo.
The Exercise Director, Brigadier Modisane Ponyane, said the scenario for the Joint Command Post Exercise is based on fictitious warring countries and is designed as a Peace Support Operations (PSO) exercise, beginning with the Rapid Deployment Capability phase and transitioning into a multi-dimensional Peace Support Operation. When giving the overview, Brigadier Ponyane pointed out that the theme for this exercise, “Enhancing Joint Cooperation”, underscores the importance of strengthening military cooperation between the BDF and NDF.
Lastly, when giving a vote of thanks, Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Davidson Mwoombola stated that the two Defence Forces shall remain committed to strengthening cooperation, interoperability, professionalism, and cultural exchange to build bonds of friendship.
In attendance were the Lobatse town leadership, comprising Honourable Member of Parliament Mr Kamal Jacobs, His Worship the Mayor, Aron Ganakgona, and Acting District Commissioner Dr Malebogo Rathedi.
The exercise will culminate on 12 September 2026.