10 Jul 2023

Letlhakeng will host the National Science Week (NSW) scheduled for August 21–25.

The Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Mr Thulagano Segokgo made the announcement during a kgotla meeting in Letlhakeng on Friday.

He  said the week would provide an opportunity for people to be educated on the benefits of technology and also inspire students and the public to participate and understand science.

“The week will increase public awareness, understanding, engagement, and appreciation of the importance of science, technology, and innovation in our daily lives, through various interactive platforms as science and technology stakeholders converge in the village,” he said.

Mr Segokgo said the NSW was a product of the SADC science, technology, and innovation protocol through which SADC member states have agreed to have a week-long activities dedicated to raising awareness on science, technology, and innovation in their respective countries annually.

The main objective is for SADC countries to benefit from economic activities and opportunities associated with science, technology, and innovation as experienced by others in the global economy.

He said the NSW also helped promote science communication and stakeholder engagement participating in the national innovation system.

He, therefore, encouraged residents of Letlhakeng and nearby villages to attend the week long event in large numbers as they will be exposed to scientific and technology for their benefit.

Mr Segokgo added that the NSW provide a platform for showcasing research and innovation products with a view of exposing commercialization potential to entrepreneurs and also help with the uptake of local research output from our institutions.

He said the public would be inspired to protect their products to facilitate ownership and successful commercialization and promote locally developed products to enter the local market.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Ms Kebafile Maselesele, said they were busy with preparations ahead of the event.

She said the village’s public library had come handy as they were using it to advance their knowledge through the information, communication technology (ICT) short courses offered.

Already 39 people have been taught about ICT so that they can improve their lives through technology, she said.

Ms Maselesele added that universal access through internet remained paramount as they were able to know what was happening around the world and communicate with others with ease.

She said through the assistance of Botswana Communications and Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) last year during the World Radio Day, more radio stations were added to their area and now have access to all radio stations with good reception.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Rantsimane Banyatsi, said he was glad that their district which had since been elevated to become a full-fledged district was receiving recognition through national events and noting that this illustrated how government was determined to take services to people.

In his vote of thanks, Letlhakeng District Council Chairperson, Mr Anderson Mathibe, said the national science week would expose people to different forms of technology available for use.

Minister Segokgo also used the meeting to update members of the public on the mandate of his ministry, the departments and parastatals that falls under his management.

He said his ministry is mandated to provide leadership and overall policy development strategy and standards on communications, knowledge, use, research, science, and technology. ENDS