10 Jun 2020

 Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe  has expressed satisfaction with  tertiary institutions readiness to resume teaching operations following the enforced COVID-19 closure.

Speaking in Lobatse on Tuesday, Dr Letsholathebe said the institutions he visited had successfully put in place proper health and social distancing measures to guarantee a safe learning environment.

The minister said among the institutions he visited were University of Botswana, Tlokweng College of Education, Molepolole College of Education and Lobatse Institute of Health Sciences.

“We saw readiness at every institution we visited. We discussed the guidelines with the Ministry of Health and Wellness at the beginning and then talked to our institutions to ensure they complied,” he said.

Lobatse IHS acting principal, Ms Mboni Mokgethi said the institution was ready to open after closing on March 28 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The institution has a student enrolment of 172 and staff compliment of 135.

“I am delighted to report that the energetic team that I lead has worked tirelessly to ensure that the environment is safe for the return of both staff and learners. Our efforts were guided by the regulations and guidelines that were put before us by the Ministry of Health and Wellness,” she said.

Ms Mokgethi said a fully functional COVID-19 institutional coordinating committee had been established  and a Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officer engaged and had a well-equipped sick bay.

Thermometers had been purchased and outdoor washing basins installed at strategic areas on the premises, she said.

Ms Mokgethi further said the institution was disinfected thoroughly in preparation for staff and students while hand sanitisers and face masks were also available. 

“On social distancing, we have marked areas that attract many people like the auditorium, classrooms and dinning-hall with stickers that give direction where to sit,” she said. 

Ms Mokgethi said the first batch of learners were received on Monday with the second batch expected next week.

“We have staggered the return of learners so that we can test the initiatives we have put in place to see if they are working well for us,” she said.

Lobatse IHS Student Representative Council president Mooketsi Keoraletse said he was satisfied with measures that the institution had put in place. ENDS