18 Jun 2020

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has donated 1000 bottles of liquid soaps and 500 bar soaps to North East District.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Masunga on June 17, BIUST Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Mr Godfrey Kgopana said the donations were in response to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s request for institutions to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

He said the fact that Botswana’s infections were low did not mean Batswana should be complacent in fighting the pandemic. 

Mr Kgopana stated that one of BIUST’s mandate was to  back innovation, saying since the outbreak of COVID-19 the institution had produced liquid and bar soaps. 

In addition, he said  BIUST had fumigated public places in Palapye using drones as a way of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

He highlighted that 15 of their students were engaged in production of the soaps using  animal fat .

North East District Commissioner, Mr Loeto Porati thanked BIUST for the donations saying the district had an efficient system in place that facilitated the handover of gifts to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.

Mr Porati indicated that Patayatebele and Matopi were the two settlements in North East District hence the soaps would be handed over to the residents of the settlements. 

The district commissioner said government recognised efforts of every individual, entity or institutions in fighting the pandemic.

In his remarks, Kgosi Maruje III Thabo Masunga said the world was grappling a pandemic that had affected people from all walks of life. 

He noted the donated  products were made in Botswana and that such innovations empowered Batswana to use their skills and make products that could even be sold internationally.

Kgosi Maruje said local economic empowerment was key for every country hence it was imperative for Batswana to support such innovations when they enter the market.

He thanked BIUST for supporting innovation noting that one of Masunga youth Mr Batshani Sekoto who had manufactured a car prototype was a beneficiary of BIUST support. Ends