While the Botswana Defence Force Retired Association (BDFRA) has grown into a prominent and widely recognized organization, its police counterpart is struggling to recover from years of declining membership that have left it fighting to stay relevant.
Nearly a decade after its formation, the Botswana Police Service Retired Members Association (BPSRMA) has launched an intensive recruitment campaign to rebuild its membership base, having attracted only a small fraction of retired police officers so far.
The association currently has 242 registered members out of an estimated 3,270 retired Botswana Police Service (BPS) officers, a figure that raises concerns about its ability to effectively represent former members. The recruitment drive, called “Iperevive,” aims to revitalize the organization and restore its standing among retired officers, according to information obtained by this publication.
The campaign comes amid growing economic hardships for some former police officers. Sources say many retired junior officers are struggling financially, with some reportedly relying on the government’s temporary employment program, Ikageng, commonly known as Ipelegeng, to make ends meet.
Newly elected BPSRMA Secretary General Christopher Mbulawa confirmed that the association recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members elected a new leadership team. “It is true that the association held its AGM in which a new committee was elected,” Mbulawa said. He added that the new committee would lead the association for the next three years.
Members elected Goitsilwe Nunu Lesetedi as president, replacing Ambassador and former Commissioner of Police Norman Moleboge, who had led the organization since its establishment in 2016. Lesetedi will be deputized by Molefhe Clifford Sejoe, while Mbulawa was chosen as Secretary General and Oabitsa Wamma Rankwaila became Deputy Secretary General. Kelebemang Motlhanka retained the position of treasurer, Lesego Baruti was elected publicity secretary, and Phillip Lopang, Meshack Motsomane, and Moshengwa Kabelo were named additional members of the National Executive Committee.
Mbulawa emphasized that the BPSRMA remains an independent, non-political organization representing retired Botswana Police Service officers. Membership is voluntary and open to all retired police officers, regardless of the rank they held before leaving the service. Under its constitution, the association seeks to improve the welfare of retired officers, promote cooperation among members, and provide a platform for sharing professional knowledge and experience.
It also aims to support members facing social and financial difficulties, safeguard their interests, and encourage continued respect for law and order among retired officers.
Mbulawa said another key objective is to organize seminars and workshops to help serving police officers prepare for retirement, while also strengthening partnerships with similar organizations internationally.
Former Police Commissioner Norman Moleboge noted that the association has made progress in negotiating improved welfare benefits for retired officers.
Among the gains, he said, is a decision allowing retired officers who had left the Botswana Police Savings Scheme to rejoin if they choose. He added that former officers who withdrew from the Group Funeral Insurance Scheme can also rejoin, provided they are under the age of 65. Retired officers are also able to insure their properties through group insurance arrangements, while former members who left the Police Relief Fund may rejoin after settling outstanding contributions.
In his acceptance speech, Lesetedi pledged to focus on expanding the association’s membership through a nationwide recruitment drive. He also urged retired officers to stay active in their communities by participating in neighborhood watch initiatives and clean-up campaigns.
Some retired police officers who spoke to this publication expressed hope that the new leadership, particularly Mbulawa, could transform the association and raise its profile to match that of the Botswana Defence Force Retired Association.
“The president has the energy and still enjoys the respect of the general public, even from his days as an active officer, while Mbulawa has vast experience in mobilizing people and giving hope. He is also a respected pastor,” one retired officer said.
They added that retired police officers deserve the same recognition and support afforded to their military counterparts, arguing that their contribution to public service should receive greater acknowledgment from both government and society.