13 Oct 2016

Ntlo Ya Dikgosi has given the nod to the motion requesting government to consider teaching swimming as a life skill in government primary schools and equipping them with swimming pool facilities.

The motion was tabled by Balete Kgosi Mosadi Seboko during the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi sitting on Tuesday (October 11), who is of the idea that the schools should be equipped with swimming pool facilities for pupils to learn swimming at an early age.

She said if swimming could be introduced, some pupils could earn a living out of it, giving an example of the just ended Rio Olympics where Botswana was represented by only one competitor.

Kgosi Mosadi further said talent could be unearthed in a wide range of schools if swimming was introduced at a tender age, adding that pupils could also survive in scenarios where there were floods.

When supporting the motion, Kgosi Botiki Motshegare of Barolong, Kgosi Kgomotso Boiditswe of Serowe region, Kgosi Thebe Makwa of Moshupa region, Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye region  and Kgosi Disho

Ndowe of Okavango region said even though it might be expensive to provide swimming facilities, it is important to introduce it.

They urged government to consider introducing it in some schools so that pupils in government schools do not miss out from the sport.

Dikgosi suggested that water in some instances may be recycled to sustain swimming facilities and introduction may be carried out in clusters according to districts.

Minister of Basic Education, Dr Unity Dow welcomed the motion advising that swimming was covered in the schools syllabus under Creative and Performing Arts components and promised to take all the suggestions for consideration by government.

She further said her ministry together with Local Government and Rural Development that is responsible for primary schools will look into the matter for implementation where possible

She also said swimming is an important component because it is also part of sport that keeps the body fit. ENDS