26 Jun 2017

Acting Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao has assured the staff of Tonota College of Education that they will  be consulted on the future of colleges of education in the discourse of rationalisation.

He noted that the staff was justified to be concerned drawing from the experiences of Lobatse and Francistown colleges of education and promised that they would be consulted in every process of the rationalisation.

Mr Molao said the ministry had been given the mandate of changing a knowledge based people to research based knowledge.

He also noted that the graduates continued to roam the streets without jobs hence the need to change strategies to be able to continue producing quality products.

The acting minister also said the colleges also had a task to produce graduates that would fit in the job market.

He noted that this year, students’ enrolment in colleges had increased, a situation which emphasises the need for colleges to operate.

Mr Molao also commended the college for receiving an award for being the best college in the country at the maiden awards despite a mirage of challenges.

He said they should dispel rumours that they were producing half-baked graduates.

Earlier, the College principal, Mr Quiet Mosesane complained of their graduates not being able to find jobs.

He showed concern on the future of the college and the rationale on teachers training, which he said were making the staff anxious on the future of the college.

A staff member,  Mr Jomo Moalosi complained of sports facilities which are not be in a good condition to be used by the students.

He also complained of low grants for sports activities stating that they were inhibiting the development of sports in the college.

Another member from guidance and counselling department, Ms Thuso Malepa asked for an office space stating that they did not have an office to consult their clients.

She said even though they had professional counsellors in the school, there was no place for client consultation.

Ms Kesolefetse Moeti, a senior catering officer asked for staff training on short courses during vacations. ENDS