13 Nov 2022

Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) and Gaborone Commercial College of Higher Studies (GCCHS) graduates  on Friday received advice from both Dr Douglas Letsholathebe and Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu.

 From the education and skills development minister, Dr Letsholathebe, the graduates  heard that they should not limit themselves to the local market but look for global opportunities. 

 On the other hand, Mr Mthimkhulu, who is assistant minister for state president,  urged them to create employment opportunities for themselves and others.

The two were officiating at the institutions’ 14th graduation ceremony in Gaborone.

Mr Mthimkhulu said employment opportunities were few and urged  graduates to strive for self-initiated business opportunities.

“Go out there and serve the world, be resilient and persistent in whatever you do," advised Mr Mthimkhulu adding that only they could make the difference in their lives and those of others.

He said all efforts made towards establishing their own businesses would be progress and a positive response to government’s call for mindset change.

The assistant minister commended GUC and GCCHS for contributing towards government’s goal of human resource development.

“Your training in para-legal studies in particular continuously fills in a void in legal practices roles," he said noting that there were court clerks, interpreters and legal secretaries in various legal firms who were GUC graduates.

Minister Letsholathebe advised the graduates to look outside the country for employment opportunities and experience.

He said the country's education system was designed to train and equip them with skills that would help them to adapt and be oriented for 21st century opportunities and challenges.

The minister noted the era of rapid technological and environmental changes sought new approaches.

Dr Letsholathebe said his ministry strove to align the country's education system with skills and approaches that would enable graduates to survive and  thrive in the era.

Creativity, innovation, perseverance, critical thinking as well as emotional intelligence were some of the trump cards for survival in the rapidly changing era, he said.

The minister encouraged the graduates to shine with the skills and qualifications they had attained. BOPA