22 Mar 2020

Parliament on Thursday approved the budget for the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology of P5 billion for the 2020/21 financial year.

Debating the budget proposals, MPs said it was the main ministry to drive the government’s transformation agenda and that more funds should be allocated for research and development.

Specially Elected MP, Ms Peggy Serame, who is also Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said more funds should be availed towards research, adding that it should be the one that addressed challenges faced by the country and which could produce commercial products.

She said her ministry and that of tertiary and youth had to collaborate in producing necessary skills needed in the economy.

Palapye MP, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi said the budget allocated to Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) was small and that the institution needed development funds and money for research and development

He said students and staff had already showed their capabilities through a solar car they have made and needed support.

MP Ramogapi and Mogoditshane MP, Mr Tumiso Rakgare said the costs of accrediting with Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) were high, making it difficult for locals to register their schools.

The Palapye MP, meanwhile, said students in vocational colleges had asked that they be under the tertiary ministry.

MP Rakgare said there were corrupt activities in some private institutions as they intentionally failed students to keep receiving government funds in the form of sponsorship when they repeated their classes.

He further said tertiary students should be allowed to work so they could gain experience as the two months attachment was insufficient to offer practical training.

Vice President and MP for Boteti West, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said BQA should be strengthened and adequately staffed to carry out its mandate effectively.

He said the ministry was playing a major role by pushing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Mahalapye East MP, Mr Yendani Boko said private tertiary institutions engaged unqualified foreign lecturers as they underpaid them. He said the minister should ensure students were given allowances on time to avoid disturbances as in the past they had threatened to engage in strikes.

MP Boko further said a number of parents were faced with financial challenges and unable to pay for their children’s tuition.

Jwaneng-Mabutsane MP, Mr Mephato Reatile said funds allocated towards research and development should result with something tangible.

He said as much as the Ministry of Agricultural Development  and Food Security had developed livestock medication, Botswana should also work towards producing medicines for human consumption.ENDs