09 Sep 2019

Moeng can be likened to an old wagon that requires constant maintenance in order for it to function satisfactorily.    

Built in 1947 under the tutelage of then Bamangwato regent, the late Tshekedi Khama, the school is now waning due age.

The college was not only among the pioneers of education in the then Bechuanaland Protectorate, but was also a centre of excellence.

On Saturday, the college’s alumni retraced their steps to the college in celebration of its 70th anniversary and to find ways of reviving its rich  history of academic excellence.

Officiating at the event, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Professor Otlogetswe Totolo described the college as a school with a remarkable history and unique beginnings.

“The school was established by a visionary leader Tshekedi Khama who conceptualised building the college in a quiet place, located between the hills and near a stream, an environment conducive for learning,” said Professor Totolo.

He noted that the project could have been established earlier than 1947 but World War II became a hindrance. Professor Totolo said the project was made possible through the spirit of self-reliance which also saw from time to time the engagement of regiments in its construction. Members of the Makgasa regiment in particular, spent two years away from their families working on the project.

He said farmers in the area also made contributions towards building the school.

“I am of the review that the spirit of self-reliance must prevail as we are working on moving the country towards a high income economy, as we had seen it yielding remarkable projects like the establishment of the University of Botswana,” said Professor Totolo. He said it was unfortunate to witness an institution of Moeng College’s calibre losing its reputation.

However, Professor Totolo said its achievements were still worth celebrating noting that it was a unique school as it did not engage students academically only.

“For the first 30 years since its inception, the school was self-sufficient in food production. The college has a bakery, orchard, vegetable garden and other food production projects. The students were hands on and engaged in producing their food,” he said.

Academically, Professor Totolo said the school was, without doubt, a centre of excellence as it had produced some of the renowned leaders the country had ever seen such as former president Dr Festus Mogae. “Its location has a distinct competitive advantage.

It is a prime piece of land, ideal for agriculture and learning. Located within the calmness of Tswapong hills, where there are rich soils to support food production.

To the alumni and current students of Moeng College, you are fortunate to study in an environment where there is less destruction,” said Professor Totolo.

Professor Totolo urged Moeng College students to be motivated by the school’s history of excellent achievement and study hard.

He applauded the school’s alumni for establishing the need to assist the school in establishing a conducive learning environment.

“If all of us can fully engage in social responsibility, our government will be relieved of the workload as the sole provider for its people,” he said.

Relating the school’s history, Kgosi Ditshoto Molebatsi of Majwaneng said Kgosi Moeng whom the school was named after, was his great grandfather.

Mr Molebatsi said Kgosi Moeng and his people were the first to settle at a place where the college was now located.

After consultations with Kgosi Tshekedi, who had identified the location as an ideal place for the envisaged college while the people were relocated to Majwaneng, by then ploughing fields,  he said.

The late Bangwato regent was attracted by the stream which was also ideal for horticulture.

“The garden served the school and the communities in the locality,” said Kgosi Molebatsi.

Meanwhile the school head, Mr Abram Thapedi appealed to stakeholders to help turn around the college’s fortunes.

Mr Thapedi said the school used to be top achiever and was hopeful that with the involvement of alumni, regaining greatness was possible.

Academically, Mr Thapedi said the school did not have much to celebrate saying however that it was performing well in extracurricular activities.ENDS