18 Aug 2022

The army is not just about carrying guns as there are opportunities for almost any career.

Brigadier Collen Maruping of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) said this when giving an overview at this year’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme hosted by the BDF at Molepolole College of Education on Tuesday.

He cited STEM-related jobs such as engineers, pilots, fire-fighters, veterinarians, musicians, software developers and doctors, amongst others, as some of the careers available at the military.Brig. Maruping said currently, eight BDF officers were studying for a 24-month master’s degree programme on the development of drones at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), as part of the army’s efforts to create a strong research and development sector within the military.

He said BDF’s vision was to grow its partnerships with local institutions, such as BIUST, to jointly develop a military science faculty and subsequently a home grown defence industry.

He said the officers would be graduating in about a month and would proceed into the second stage of developing a prototype of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the BDF.

Brig. Maruping said the BDF was also part of a team that would be engaged in the development of a locally produced satellite, being designed and manufactured by BIUST.

He explained that the purpose of the event, held under the theme: Science in the Military, was to raise awareness, provoke thought and encourage children to venture into the world of STEM.

He stressed that STEM was the future, with many applications in real life, adding that Botswana did not want to be left behind.

He cited Biotechnology, computer and mobile applications used in everyday activities to made life easier, as some of the STEM careers, adding that through STEM education, a BotsApp, equivalent to Android or iPhone App, could be developed.

Brig. Maruping said the event was also aimed at ensuring that pupils were prepared to be partakers and contributors to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), while contributing to Botswana ideal of being a knowledge-based economy.

For his part, Air Arm Commander Maj. Gen. Hendrick Rakgantswana said BDF and Batswana should come up with home-grown solutions for the country’s many challenges and aspirations.

He said some of the products that were in the market did not meet the requirements of the military and thus urged learners to work hard to acquire skills to serve in the military.

Meanwhile, Kweneng District council chairperson, Mr Motlhophi Leo said the event came at an opportune time and was in line with the Reset Agenda that encapsulated change of mindset and digitalisation.

He further said in some spheres of learning, STEM could be enhanced by adding Robotics and Arts, leading to the acronym: STREAM, for Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

Some of the children who attended the event expressed excitement about the different displays, as they gave them a real life glimpse of the military.

Bongani Masimega, a standard six pupil at Lewis Primary School, said he learnt about different snakes, some of which he never knew existed, such as the snorted cobra.

He said he also learnt about the weapons and ammunition and had an opportunity to see grenades and missiles in real life.

The young Masimega, who said he would like to be a businessman in the future, noted that he appreciated the military more after the tour.

His cousin, Tlotlo Masimega, a form two pupil at Dithejwane Junior Secondary school, said he appreciated the fire department and its equipment.

He also said that he saw Mathematics and Science as very important subjects in solving real life problems. ENDS