10 Sep 2013

A healthy private sector education system complements a strong public sector education system, says President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

He said it was in this regard that the government took initiatives to build strong regulatory environment by establishing institutions such as the Botswana Training Authority and the Tertiary Education Council.

The institutions are mandated to develop and coordinate tertiary education to determine the quality and maintain teaching standards.

The two institutions, he said, were being rationalised to become Botswana Qualifications Authority and the Human Resource Development Council respectively.

Officially launching Botho University in Gaborone yesterday, President Khama said policies such as the National Human Resource Development Strategy and Tertiary Education Policy also served to give direction to tertiary education for skills development that responds to the needs of the economy.

President Khama said in 1994, when the Revised National Policy on Education was promulgated, the government started the process that paved the way for private investors to enter the tertiary education sector and become partners with government.

He further said the policy that resulted in the engagement of private sector in education has resulted in capacity building for the country.

“This modern campus and the state of art building that I am inaugurating are proof that in Botswana, the private sector continues to contribute to economic diversification,” he said.

He said the role of tertiary education in economic growth and the promotion of a knowledge based economy was important in contributing to the nation’s ability to compete regionally and globally.

The President further commended Botho University for their curricular and employability initiatives, saying they plan to produce highly skilled and educated graduates who possess critical skills in communication and creativity.

He also said there was a need for partnerships between tertiary institutions and potential employers in order to increase the employability of graduates as well as to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Education and skills development minister, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi commended the President for continuing to support the education sector.

Botho University Vice Chancellor and managing director, Mrs Sheela Raja Ram said for the institution to become a university, demonstrates what the private sector can achieve in an enabling environment with friendly policies.

“We strongly believe that well managed and efficiently run private enterprise can certainly work towards public good,” she said.

Botho University management handed to the President, a cheque for P100 000 towards the President’s Charitable Fund. BOPA