24 Jan 2021

Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe has thanked Tonota College of Education for building a two- roomed house for Mr Sylas Oabile of Mhakamme ward in Tonota.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Tonota on January 22, Dr Letsholathebe commended members of Tonota College of Education community for the building the house despite the hardships posed by COVID-19.

“As a ministry, we embraced the project and initiative with aplomb and tenacity, since we have to ensure that the aspirations of our National Vision 2036, which speaks to achieving prosperity for all, are realised,” he said.

Dr Letsholathebe, who is also the Tati East legisalator said his ministry adopted three core principles underpinning its day to day operations and service delivery.

The principles, he said were built on collaboration, co-production and consuming, adding that collaboration was both a national and international norm.

Minister Letsholathebe explained that his ministry could not do things alone, hence its commitment to enhance  partnerships with critical players in order to drive and benefit from collaboration, co-production and consuming of education, research and innovation.

In addition, Dr Letsholathebe explained that it was his ministry’s conviction that educating people was central to the country’s development.

“Botswana has articulated its long-term national goals and values in Vision 2036 and the current National Development Plan 11. These policies and plans, set out the goals and strategies that Botswana continues to pursue to promote human, social, economic, and environmental development and defines pathways and choices for the society over the next decades,” he said.

Dr Letsholathebe further explained that Tonota College of Education adopted Mr Oabile during its 2018/19 Strategic Year Plan and embarked on the project.

“As a ministry, this has put us in the right direction towards the aspirations of Vision 2036, which speaks to Batswana acknowledging and embracing a new era, an era to be characterised, not only by clear plans, but by deliberate and clear effort to execute our plans, strategies and initiatives, one of which is to improve the livelihoods of Batswana,” he said.

Dr Letsholathebe, who also pledged a fence to be installed around the yard, also thanked other individuals who contributed towards the completion of the project.

On other issues, Minister Letsholathebe cautioned everyone about COVID-19, saying the only way to avoid the spread of the deadly virus was to adhere to the health protocols.

Dr Letsholathebe also appealed to the beneficiary to put the donation to good use, as it was completed through partnership, team work, commitment and dedication by the community and business partners.

Giving the project overview, the project manager, Mr Frankie Kontopa said the project costs amounted to over P24 000, excluding labour which was provided by Tonota College of Education staff.

He said the staff embarked on fund raising activities to raise the money and the idea was mooted in 2018.

Mr Kontopa said if it was not for the outbreak of COVID-19, the project would had been completed on time but it was completed at the end of last year.

He explained that the donation was part of the college’s corporate social responsibility and promised that similar projects were on the pipeline.

Mr Kontopa thanked everyone, including Mr Oabile’s neighbours who contributed towards the completion of the project.

In his vote of thanks, Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi applauded Tonota College of Education for the noble gesture.

Mr Moatlhodi, who also donated four blankets, cautioned that such donations should not end up in the wrong hands leaving the beneficiaries suffering.

For his part, Mr Oabile, who was staying in a shack, could not hide his excitement and thanked Tonota College of Education staff for the donation especially during trying times of torrential rains.

Furnmart Tonota also donated a bed as part of its corporate social responsibility of giving back to the community they were doing business with. ends