27 Nov 2021

University of Botswana (UB) Class of 2021 has been commended for their resilience and agility that saw them come out from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and conquerors.

Congratulating the graduates during the 39^th UB  graduation  and inauguration of the Chancellor Ms Tebelelo Seretse on Friday in Gaborone, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said  their graduation marked a huge step in their lives given the challenges they had to go thorough to achieve the milestone.

Dr Masisi noted that the extreme challenge of the COVID-19 did not discourage them from pursuing their dreams.

He said as Botswana and the rest of the world grappled with COVID-19 global pandemic, their lives were also disrupted, adding that they were facing uncertainty in academic and personal lives.

He hailed them for displaying positive attitude that contributed to their achievement, saying the same spirit would see the nation achieve its transformational agenda as espoused in National Vision 2036.

He said the skills and knowledge they had acquired was what Botswana needed to drive the economy and that their active participation in the economy would help realise the national development agenda of transforming Botswana from a resource based economy to a knowledge based one.

Dr Masisi said though their new journey in life would face challenges compounded by COVID-19, which has negatively affected the performance of the economy and aggravated youth unemployment, he employed the Class of 2021 to stay focused to overcome challenges.

“My government is exploring all avenues to create jobs particularly for the youth,” he said.

The graduation, combined with the inauguration of the sixth chancellor of UB, was held under a theme: Resilence through challenges.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Seretse observed that her appointment came at a time when the university was challenged to modernise its ways of teaching so that learners become more diverse, well rounded self-managing professionals.

Ms Seretse further said today’s economic growth greatly depended on the ability to meet global demands, therefore the university was expected to gear up.

She said she accepted her appointment in the humility of her awareness not only as a woman but that her appointment required a versatile, practical, resilient and disciplined person.

“I accept this as a challenge … and I commit to take the university to a higher standing globally,” she said

The appointment of Ms Seretse follows the vacancy created by the demise of the former UB Chancellor, Ms Linah Mohohlo who died earlier this year.

Ms Seretse is former Ambassador to the United Stated of America and has served as a member of parliament. She has also held different cabinet positions. ENDS