27 Sep 2023

Leadership of Bobonong Brigades has been tasked to establish an institutional company with a view of undertaking government works.

When addressing staff at Bobonong Brigades, Bobonong campus, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Aubrey Lesaso urged the institution to tap into its capabilities in order to make money that would aid developments in the two campuses.

Not only will the money aid developments, but will also help pay overtime of workers involved during the works.

Upon formation of the company, the assistant minister advised, the brigades would then compile a document of condition of assessment for government institutions, especially schools, and submit to the ministry where such works would be sanctioned.

Also, the brigades have been challenged to compile a database of current and graduated students so as to engage them in the works.

The engagement, he said, would help address skills development and transfer whilst simultaneously  creating employment for the graduates.

The assistant minister said with the brigades’ capacity the company would be also allowed to tender for some major government works, which many contractors were failing to deliver on time.

Such works include maintenance of school ablutions and hostels which are reportedly not in good condition.
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The money is there. Your institution could make money. You just have to establish the company and familiarise yourself with procurement procedures,” said Mr Lesaso who added that the brigades, with education with production, could dominate the construction industry in Bobonong region.

The minister  also urged the brigades leadership to work on introducing electrical and plumbing programmes.

He said that with infusion of the two and many more programmes, Bobonong Brigades would be in a better position to produce quality graduates.

He told the teaching staff that, through brigades, they were engines of growth and development and as such should derive pride in their works.
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Technical and vocational training and education are at the core of development of this nation,” said Mr Lesaso.

On other related issues, the assistant minister said that despite the brigades being in transition after being transferred to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, processes were underway to ensure smooth landing.

The ministry would, in due course, rename brigades into vocational institutions to remove the stigma associated with brigades. The ministry will also ensure expansion of workshops at the institutions.

Moreover, the ministry encourages equipping of lecturers at brigades in order for them to attain academic qualification of degree and above.

When responding to some challenges outlined by the school management, Mr Lesaso said the ministry was developing proper structures for brigades which would be filled by qualified personnel.

He also said the ministry was considering employing parallel progression to avoid employees remaining stagnantly at C1 salary scale.

At the same event, acting principal, Mr Kgaufelo Nthokane outlined the needs of the institution that boast two campuses, one in Bobonong and another in Molalatau.

The institution reportedly has been without a Mathematics teachers since 2019.

The brigade also needs an English teacher and computer programming teachers.

Again, the acting principal said that there was shortage of  models for the auto mechanics programme since the service level agreement the brigade had with Government Fleet Management has elapsed, adding that the latter reportedly wants its vehicle back.

Although happy with results, the acting principal said that the school’s computers were old and  not compatible with latest softwares. ENDS