13 Jun 2024

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) stands out as the cornerstone set to reshape the future landscape of Botswana by equipping the nation with the essential skills required for economic development and generating job opportunities.

Speaking at the Botswana/Germany 2024 TVET Symposium in Gaborone on Thursday, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe emphasised the crucial role of TVET in empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy by acquiring job-relevant skills.

Dr Letsholathebe highlighted the ongoing challenge of ensuring access to quality job-oriented skills, pointing out the need for increased work-based learning opportunities to better integrate TVET graduates into various industries. He stressed that such learning experiences not only enhance individual competitiveness but also provide industries with the necessary talents.

The minister expressed confidence in Botswana’s progress, noting the near-completion plans to revamp the curriculum to focus on industry-relevant skills. He underscored the importance of adapting the TVET sub-sector to address evolving socio-economic and technological trends, emphasising the need for continuous transformation to keep pace with educational advancements.

“Through collaboration with industry, we aim to develop curricula aligned with the National Credit Qualification Framework, addressing the skills gap that has been widely recognised,” stated Dr Letsholathebe.

In her welcome address, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka, the permanent secretary in the ministry, emphasised the symposium’s role in facilitating the exchange of innovative best practices in TVET and fostering partnerships to drive further transformations in the sector.

“Rethinking TVET is essential to promote a more inclusive and sustainable society, aligning with our overarching transformational agenda,” Ms Khumotaka remarked.

She reiterated the urgent need for skilled labour in various sectors of the economy, highlighting the demand for competent artisans, technicians, and a highly skilled technical workforce to propel Botswana’s economy towards value-addition from primary commodities and natural resources.

“Collaboration between TVET institutions and industry is imperative for driving this transformative agenda forward,” she said.

The symposium, held under the theme: Building Bridges; Strengthening TVET Cooperation Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy, aimed to foster partnerships between stakeholders to advance TVET. BOPA