08 May 2017

A integrated database system that tracks all files within a division was the toast of the night at the Department of Meteorological Services excellence and distinction awards recently.

The system, designed by Ms Laone Keolefele, won the innovation and creativity award.

Speaking at the department’s excellence and distinction awards, the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Thabang Botshoma said the innovation had been requested by Germany.

“That innovation in terms of data management is brilliant and can assist in terms of improving data management in countries,” said Mr Botshoma, adding that he has no doubt about the ability of the employees.

He said he was aware that there were more innovations that they managed to come up with.

Department of Meteorological Services acting director, Mr Othata Mmolotsi said they had made some achievements.

He noted that 2015-2016 was a bad year in terms of the drought, adding that what was pleasing was that the department issued an outlook forecast for that season warning the nation about the drought.

The drought, he noted, affected arable farmers most while some pastoral farmers also lost their livestock, adding that this year, the department anticipated that it would be the wettest year. He also emphasised that the department provided services that were of value to the nation.

“All this projections is because of you colleagues who work very hard to provide valuable information to the nation that can be used for decision making,” he said.

In the A band category, Mr Bontshetse Thebe won the best performing award followed by Ms Gabaatshware Moitlhobogi. In position three was Ms Chaja Motlhabi.

In the B band, position one went to Mr Letso Tsemane followed by Ms Kemmonye Tselaesele while position three went to Mr Sebofeng Shaudi. BOPA