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DCA's Mission Statement

The Department of Civil Aviation is committed to reshaping civil aviation in Botswana and presenting a new image as we enter the next millennium. It'll andeavour to promote and support the aviation industry locally, regionally, and internationally by providing a conducive atmosphere for a smooth, economic, regular, and safe transportation of passengers and cargo. The department shall attempt to instill the spirit of greater aviation safety among the industry as well as shared responsibility in that regard nationwide.

Aims and Objectives of DCA

While aiming at high productivity, efficiency, and quality service for the industry we serve [or regulate], we also want to achieve the following objectives:

To ensure aviation safety locally, regionally, and globally
To maintain currency with regard to procedures, rules, and regulations
To take advantage of the information technology by doing business on-line
To increase its surveillance and monitoring activities among the industry
To become more proactive than reactive, investigating incidents to prevent accidents
To endeavour to keep the industry abreast by organising informal training like seminars
To improve productivity within the various divisions of DCA
To renew and improve the overall relationship between DCA and the industry
To conduct more research in the field of aviation through the Internet
To engage in more consultation with the industry and strike a better understanding
To support and facilitate the government's policy of diversification of economy
To actively participate in Botswana's long-term dream of Vision 2016
To co-operate and coordinate with the rest of Southern African Development Community (SADC) in aviation matters
To adhere to the principles of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

An Overview

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) is a regulatory body responsible for civil aviation in Botswana. It is a government department under the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communications (MWTC). While its purpose is to provide public service, its specific mandate is to regulate (by formulating safety standards for airports and air navigation facilities, pilots and air operators' facilities, aircraft maintenance organisations and engineers) and promote civil aviation in the country. The department is basically in charge of all national aviation operations: air traffic control system, airports, air space, aircraft investigation, etc.

Historical Background

According to a study conducted by the committee responsible for the 50th Anniversary of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) national celebrations held on Wednesday, December 7, 1994, the department was formed in 1967. The same study revealed that the history of aviation in Botswana can be traced back to 1919, when the first aerodrome was constructed in Palapye. The first Motswana Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) was Mr. M. J. M. Moatshe, who took over or localised the post in 1981. In 1992, Mr. Moatshe was promoted and transferred to the ministry, as one of the two the Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and his then Deputy, Mr. K. J. Mosupukwa resumed the position, becoming the second local DCA. In December, 1998, Mr. Mosupukwa was nominated as the first Motswana to go and head the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region mission to the Council at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada. Thus, Mr. Mosheshe, who was the Deputy Director, took over the office.

Divisions and Responsibilities of DCA

DCA, as a heterogenious department, is staffed by men and women of various professions, qualifications, and backgrounds and houses a number of divisions and units. Those various divisions/units are listed hereafter. They are: Aerodromes Engineering Division, which is resposible for the design, construction, and maintenance of airports and air strips in the country; Air Traffic Control Services, which is responsible the management of the national air space; Air Transport Division, which is responsible for providing air traffic movement data, economic and legal advice, and statistical services to the department and industry; Aviation Ground Services, which is accountable to several organs including Airport Management, Fire Rescue Services, and Airport Security; Flight Safety Division, a dual organ of DCA, which comprises Airworthiness Division and Flight Operations Division. These two units are responsible for the proper maintenance and continued airworthiness of all Botswana registered civil aircraft and safe operation of the same, respectively. They are also mainly responsible for aircraft accident investigation in the country. Other divisions include Telecommunications Engineering Division, which is responsible for the design, installation, calibration, and maintenance of air navigation systems nationally and Support Divisions of Accounts, Administration, and Supplies.

The Future Direction for DCA

The year 2019 will mark hundred of civil aviation in this country, according to the Historical Background above, and 52 years of the establishment of DCA. In the same vein, the year 2016 has been earmarked by our government for this nation to achieve excellence in all areas of life. Our department shall not remain behind, in fact, it's our aim at DCA to lead this nation to achieve that goal. At DCA, we realise that reaching the goals of Long-term Vision for Botswana will not come by easily, to achieve it we'll have to work hard. The administration and staff of DCA are therefore determined to make a difference. Our aim is to change with times and present a new face and change of heart. While seeing to it that the flying public is being transported safely, we also want to see aviation progress in our country as a way of diversifying the nation's resourses.

So, in the twenty-first century, we hope to be the best civil aviation authority in the sub-region if not the entire continent. We also aim at being one of the most efficient and productive organs of the Botswana public service. We plan to be people oriented, provide the best service to our clientile, and motivate our employees as far as possible. As the authority, we want to be seen [by the industry we serve] as part the development and not a hinderance to progress. Our main aim shall be to facilitate aviation progress while ensuring safe operations.

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