15 Apr 2021

Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe says the University of Botswana (UB) makes extra ordinary appointments for retired academic staff.

Responding to a parliamentary question on Wednesday, Dr Letsholathebe stated that it was a common practice that universities would want to  retain some of their best and experienced academic staff after retirement, ‘as long as they are still in good health, and add value’ he said. He further revealed that universities would then use various ways to appoint them on post retirement contracts.

Furthermore, Dr Letsholathebe said the practice was also used by international universities as well. He mentioned that Adjunct scholars and Affiliate Researchers in line with best practice as provided for by its Revised Criteria for Appointment, Promotion and Review of Academic Staff were approved for implementation in January 2020.

Dr Letsholathebe said UB for instance, currently had one Motswana associate professor appointed through extra ordinary appointment as an Associate Scholar/ Adjunct Scholar.

Meanwhile Dr Letsholathebe said academics who had voluntarily and compulsorily retired at the age of 65 at UB included 12 senior lecturers, 17 associate professors and three professors.

He further noted that a total of 14 staff members were granted post retirement contracts, saying seven of those were still serving, whereas the other staff contracts had expired and have since left the employ of the university.

Dr Letsholathebe stated that on the basis of need of the departments at UB, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, would appoint some academics on post retirement contracts.

Selebi Phikwe West, MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister an update on academics who had voluntarily and compulsorily retired at the age of 65 at the UB and to state the number of senior lecturers, associate professors and full Professors.

MP Keorapetse further wanted the minister to explain international best practice in respect of retirement of academics and the extent to which it was practiced at local public tertiary institutions ENDS