23 Jan 2018

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele is upbeat about prospects of Botswana achieving knowledge driven economy by 2036 to reduce reliance on mining.

Dr Madigele who is also a Member of Parliament for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency said during a kgotla meeting in Gasegwagwa that already government has made headway towards achieving this feat by incorporating education with science and technology.

It is to this end, he said, that government will place a lot of emphasis on education that is outcome based with a lot of emphasis on technical and vocational skills.

On other isssues, Dr Madigele was hopeful the draft bill on stock theft whose intent is to close gaps on existing piece of legislation will bring to a stop increasing incidents where cattle rustlers reign terror on farmers willy-nilly.

The minister was however not impressed by poor Standard 7 results recorded at Segwagwa Primary School which attained position 21 out of a total of 23 primary schools in Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency.

He was especially worried that there was only 6Cs, 4Ds, 3Es with no A or B grades.

Dr Madigele therefore challenged parents to put their heads together and utilise all available avenues to turn results around.

He told the gathering that Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency office has resolved to introduce competitions in schools across Mmathethe/Molapowabojang where the best performers will be rewarded.

Residents expressed happiness at the symbiotic working relationship and support they got from Dr Madigele whom they described as a shrewd leader who has the plight of electorates at heart. ENDS