12 Feb 2018

The survival of any community is likely to be influenced by its ability to document and preserve information.

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama said, when officially opening the Presidential Library at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) over the weekend, that he supported the initiative and would donate some of his own documents, which he felt would be of interest to the nation.

The library official opening was done on the sidelines of the university’s second graduation ceremony.

 Furthermore President Khama said BIUST, together with other developments being undertaken in Palapye, would continue to add to the transformation of Palapye and neighbouring villages.

He said Palapye was now part of the global academic community as a result of the establishment of the university, which lies a few kilometres from the historical site of Old Palapye.

President Khama said BIUST was a reminder of the future that government was seeking to build, adding, “It is our desire to achieve prosperity for all by 2036, as inscribed in the long term vision of 2036”.

The bold step that government took to establish the institution, he said, is part of the country’s testimony to the government’s commitment to taking developments to different parts of the country and fostering prosperity for all.

He said it also demonstrated government’s commitment to ensuring that science and research were a priority as well as a resolve towards ensuring that there was economic diversification, since graduates would lead in this regard through creativity and innovation.

President Khama urged BIUST community to find time to undertake community service that would influence the mindset of everybody as well as impact upon the lives of ordinary people in Palapye.

To the graduating class of 2018, he said, “Your dedication, discipline, determination, devotion and diligence have earned you the degree qualifications.”

He implored all the students in different tertiary institutions to appreciate the sacrifice that their parents and Batswana have made and continue to make to accord them the opportunity to receive education.

“You need to work hard and remain focused. You need to take advantage of all opportunities that have been availed to you to develop yourselves,” he said.

He said it was upon students to transform their lives and the lives of the communities they live in.

For his part, BIUST chairperson,  Mr Bernard Bolele said the institution was the nation’s fledging specialist university focused intently on producing work-ready graduates in the exacting disciplines of science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

About 219 graduated in all the fields of study offered at BIUST and Mr Bolele said the number was expected to rise steadily as the years go by.

The Chancellor’s award for Best Overall Student by Former President Festus Mogae was awarded to Ms Kagiso Molalapata.

The Chancellor’s award was launched last year by BIUST chancellor, Mr Mogae and it entails P1million for the next 50 years, meaning that each year the best overall student will receive P20 000.

Ms Molalapata also received Dr Alfred Madigele’s Award sponsored by the Ministry of Tertiary Education Research Science and Technology and Best Student in the Department of Mathematics and Statistical sciences award sponsored by BIUST. Ms Molalapata encouraged BIUST students to work hard and be change agents wherever they are.

She said she managed to accomplish her goals through hard work, dedication and commitment. BOPA