23 Feb 2016

Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST) says it is not true that Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) graduates are denied registration with Botswana Institute of Engineers (BIE).

“The institution (BIE) is not aware of anybody who has been denied membership,” Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila said in response to a question in Parliament on February 22.

Speaking on behalf of MIST minister, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, Mr Mokaila stated that BIE had confirmed that they accepted BCA graduates who applied for membership after obtaining engineering qualifications which were  in line with requirements of their (BIE) constitution requirements.

He explained that BIE is not a registering or accreditation body, but an association whose membership in voluntary.

Mr Mokaila further explained that the body charged with legal responsibility for registration of engineers, the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) has confirmed that it registers all qualifying engineers including those from BCA.

Parliament heard that ERB has also confirmed that they were currently assessing applications from some BCA graduates and all those who qualify would be issued with practicing certificates once the process has been completed.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked if the minister was aware that BCA graduates who pursued engineering courses were being denied registration with BIE. He also wanted the minister to explain what was being done to assist such graduates. Ends