10 Nov 2015

Science is relevant to the daily lives of Batswana and can move the country from a resource-based economy to a knowledge based-economy, says infrastructure, science and technology minister, Mr Nonofo Molefhi.

Speaking at the launch of the World Science Day for Peace and Development in Gaborone yesterday, Mr Molefhi said the day  was meant to remind the public about its useful contributions to life.
Mr Molefhi noted that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established the day in 2001.

He said the day offered an opportunity to demonstrate to the public why science was relevant to their lives and to engage them in debating science related issues.

“The aim of the day is to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science while underscoring the role scientists play in broadening people’s understanding of their world-knowledge economy as well as making societies sustainable,” he said. The minister explained that the government was committed to the advancement of science and technology for development.

He said this was evidenced by the enactment of the research, science, technology and innovation policy of 2011.
Mr Molefhi also noted that the government has established institutions such as the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) and Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to move Botswana from a resource based economy to a knowledge based economy.

He added that the government also intends to increase its investment in research and science through the establishment of a National Research Fund aimed at improving the quality of national research.

Mr Molefhi also said although science has transformed human kind, there were some ills that were associated with it. He said the ills have caused destabilisation, threats to the family institution and more poverty in some instances.

“Some of the dangers that are associated with science are cyber-crime which now affects investment, social media, flow of work and information due to computer virus attacks,” he said.
He said besides the ills that science might bring, the focus should be on the good things to resolve health, economic and social challenges.

He expressed confidence that science could find answers to challenges such as human and animal diseases, unemployment and insufficient food production. The minister said the theme: Science for a sustainable future - Celebrating the UNESCO science report, demonstrates that science has a critical role in ensuring sustainable development.

For his part, University of Botswana deputy chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said science and technology affect many spheres of life such as agriculture, communication, health and sports management.

 “The higher education landscape is facing a transformation, and UB continues to make strides in the right direction. That is embarking on sustainable solutions to contemporary scientific challenges such as biosafety, cyber security, climate change and pollution,” he said.

The commemoration was intended to stimulate stakeholder partnerships, which are critical for science and technology to thrive in Botswana.  Ends