Mr. Motanyane, said the privates should exercise commitment, devotion and obedience so that they could be successful in the army, adding that they have been trained on various duties that include providing security for the public and its property. "If you are well trained, this country would prosper economically and peace would prevail, but if you are ill trained then the entire country is going to suffer," he stressed.

Speaking at the same occasion the LDF Commander Lieutenant General Makhula
Mosakeng, said the Minister of Defence, who has been elected by the public and not anybody who so wishes control the army. "We were befell by the 1998 misfortunes because other junior army officers, who are no longer with us now went astray and wanted to take over the control of the army and many of them are now languishing in jail," he emphasized.

Lieutenant General urged the new LDF members to abide by the constitution of the country so that no one could mislead them, saying they should also follow and obey instructions from their seniors. He said, amongst the new privates, 12 of them are going to be trained on air squadron, while 10 of them are going to be trained on diving in China. The LDF Commander awarded presents to two graduands for their outstanding performance throughout the course and being best shooters. Lieutenant General, said others would be trained on special army like providing security and peace keeping, law and order.

The new LDF members passed out amid heavy rains and graced the day with various activities that included drilling as well as performing traditional dances and songs. Parents and well-wishers attended the event in large numbers despite torrential rains. The recruits had started training on February 02, 2002 with a total of 255 members, but two dropped out due to illness, while one pulled out.

06 September,2002