Ministry of Defence and Security

Ministry Headquarters

The Ministry of Defence and Security exists to provide safety, protection, and promote human rights and rule of law through effective implementation of relevant national policies and programmes to achieve national peace and tranquillity.  The Ministry provides leadership, policy direction, coordination and support to its departments to include matters relating to resourcing, maintenance of facilities, procurement, performance management and monitoring and evaluation. 

Vision 

An effective provider of public safety, defence, security and justice for all.

Values

Accountability - We shall be accountable for our actions and decisions;

Botho - We shall deliver services with humility, courtesy and respect;

Excellence - We shall deliver our services efficiently and effectively;

Integrity - Display high level of trust, honesty, professionalism and dependability.
 

MINISTRY AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR, RADIOLOGICAL WEAPONS MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (CBNRMA)

Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological Weapons Management Authority (CBNRMA) has been established under Section 5 of the Chemical Weapon (Prohibition) Act No. 20 of 2018.The Authority is the principal Agency in Botswana for the management of scheduled chemicals, nuclear material and controlled agents and toxins and coordinates, monitors and supervises all activities related to scheduled chemicals, nuclear material and controlled agents and toxins in addition to any other power conferred on it by the Act. Section 7 (1) of the Act  further provides for the  establishment and membership of the Board, whose primary role will be to oversee the use of Chemical, Nuclear, Biological & Toxin and Radiological materials to prevent their weaponisation.

Primary functions of the Authority are to monitor and implement various international instruments related to CBNR materials and toxins; Secure sites and sources of CBNR materials and transport  security; Collaborative border control strategies with neighboring states to strengthen import/export control and trans-boundary movement  of CBNR sources; Effective awareness enhancement on CBNR matters at all levels in stakeholder ministries, organization and Agencies; Prevent illicit uses of scheduled chemicals, biological toxins and nuclear material for weaponisation and proliferation financing thereof.

DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (DEA)

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was established in accordance with Section (V) of the Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Pyschotropic Substances Act of 2018. The Agency is mandated to collect, collate and disseminate information on illegal use of narcotic drugs and pyschotropic substances; receive, investigate any complaint of alleged or suspected breach of the Act;  address and advise Government Ministries and Departments, public bodies, institutions, companies, statutory bodies and corporations on ways and means of preventing prohibited activities relating to narcotic drugs and pyschotropic substances.  

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE DESK ADVISOR

The Botswana Police Desk provides a critical daily link between the Ministry Headquarters and the BPS in so far as the administration and execution of duties is concerned.  The overall areas of responsibility of the Desk include matters relating to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation on public safety and security, as well as facilitating the execution of resolutions emanating from Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security ( JPCDS) and Bi-National Commissions (BNCs) amongst others.

BOTSWANA PRISON SERVICE DESK ADVISOR

The Botswana Prisons Desk provides a critical daily link between the Ministry Headquarters and the Prisons Service in so far as the administration and execution of duties is concerned.  The overall areas of responsibility of the Desk include matters relating to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation on correctional excellence, public safety and security, as well as facilitating the execution of resolutions emanating from Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security (JPCDS) and Bi-National Commissions (BNCs) amongst others. 

PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES LICENSING UNIT

The Private Security Services Licensing Unit exits to support the effective implementation of the Private Security Services Act of 2015.  The Act provides for the establishment of the regulatory authority, which is, amongst others, charged with issuing private security service licenses of operation and facilitating the renewal of such licenses.The Private Security Licensing Unit also has the responsibility of facilitating the work of the Private Security Licencing Board and disseminating, through appropriate information campaigns, the various functions and responsibilities of the Act. The Board has to ensure compliance with the Act and it`s Regulations and other related Botswana laws. 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE DESK ADVISOR

The Botswana Defence Force Desk provides a critical daily link between the Ministry Headquarters and the BDF in so far as the administration and execution of duties is concerned.  The overall areas of responsibility for the Desk include matters relating to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation on defence and security matters, as well as facilitating the execution of resolutions emanating from Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security (JPCDS) and Bi-National Commissions (BNCs) amongst others.  The Ministry also has a Defence Advisor (MODA) seconded by the Government of the United States of America to further strengthen identified areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries.          

MILITARY VETERANS AFFAIRS UNIT

The Military Veterans Unit was established to provide support services to separated members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).  Some of the services and support functions that the Unit facilitates and provides pertain to socio-economic support; burials and memorials; honours; healthcare; well-being; skills development and empowerment.