24 Jun 2019

For many students in Botswana, attainment of a degree or certificate is a milestone that needs to be celebrated. 

Over 700 jubilant students of  Botho University on June 21 celebrated the milestone when they received their certificates during the graduation ceremony.

Speaking at the event Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) chief executive officer, Mr Racious Moatshe congratulated the class of 2019 for their commitment and focus which he said enabled them to reach the end mark. 

He encouraged Botho University to continue building and shaping the learners value system to impact on the effective entrepreneurship culture that Botswana seemed to lack, and for playing a key contribution towards Africa’s social and economic development.

He said unemployment challenges faced by the youth, should not discourage the graduates and they should use entrepreneurial foundation learnt from Botho University to enhance their employability. 

He urged them to use financial assistance  availed by the government through programmes such as Youth Empowerment Fund, Gender Affairs, CEDA and other initiatives by commercial banking sector, organisation like LEA to help, nurture, support and grow whatever business ideas they may have into viable enterprises. 

Ms Sheela Ram, vice-chancellor of the university said for the past years they had produced a large number of graduates who were highly competitive and prepared for the global employment market with skills to start their own business.

She said the programmes they offered were niche, hands on, and industry driven, thus making their graduates sought after. 

Graduates who had excelled in their respective programmes and outshined others were awarded certificates.

The Festus Mogae award, which given for the overall academic excellence, went to Mr Thebeetsile Tsheole for also displaying commitment and discipline. He received P5 000 and P2500 for his efforts.

Another prestigious award, Sir Seretse Khama Spirit of Botho award for overall excellence in academics, co-curricular activities and overall desirable personality was awarded to Ms Gofaone Molosiwa.

Ms Marang Mutuna, assistant dean at the University said the ceremony showed great results of good work by students and management towards contributing to national academic excellence.

She said the graduates were molded to create employment and be business persons capable of making positive contribution to Botswana’s economy.  Ends