04 Jun 2014

For many students in Botswana, attainment of a degree or certificate is a milestone that needs to be celebrated.

In a hall full of proud parents, friends, relatives and members of staff, over 650 jubilant students at Botho University finally got their certificates during the  graduation ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Lesotho’s minister of education and training, Ms Makabelo Mosothoane said her country and Botswana had had close relations that were education related.

She said Lesotho congratulated the institution for its achievements; amongst them the ISO 9001:2008 Certification by the Botswana Bureau of Standards,adding that they could borrow a few ideas from the programme.

“The graduates have walked the hallways of Botho University and received what can only be highly competitive education, which has undoubtedly prepared you comprehensively for the global employment market and given you requisite skills to start your own business,” she said.


In addition, Ms Sheela Raja, the vice chancellor of the university, stated that in the last 17 years, they had been serving the education needs of Botswana, having produced a large number of graduates.

She further said the programmes they offered were niche, hands on, and industry driven, thus making their graduates sought after. Amongst the awarding of the certificates to graduates, students who excelled in their respective programmes outshined others and were awarded certificates of Best Students respectively.

The Festus Mogae award, which was given for the overall academic excellence, went to Mr Thatayaone Seakanyeng who displayed commitment and discipline. He received P5 000 for his efforts.

Another prestigious award was the Sir Seretse Khama Spirit of Botho award for overall excellence in academics, co-curricular activities and overall desirable personality which went to Mr Leo Hailey.

He has been the shining star of the university, a former Student Representative Council president 2011-2012 and for his involvement in activities such as litter picking, health and safe male circumcision in the university.

Mr Clever Gumbo a lecture of entrepreneur and business faculty at the university said the ceremony showed great results of good work by the students and management of the institution in contributing to national academic excellence.

He said the graduates will be molded with great equipment to create employment and be business persons towards a positive contribution to Botswana’s economy. Ends