11 Aug 2024

Ministry of Communication Knowledge and Technology and its strategic partner Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) aims to facilitate an enabling environment to make Batswana realise a digital transformed knowledge based economy.

To attain this transformation and gain ground to compete with the rest of the world, a complete mindset change, and  perceiving technology as a driver for innovations and inventions was neccesary.

Head of Telecommunications and Signalling of Botswana Railways, Ms Lesedi Gaolemoge said this during the launch of the National Science week themed:  ‘An inquiring mind; a gateway to creativity and innovation’ at Mahalapye on Thursday.

She said Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has the immense potential to unlock and enable high productivity among people of Botswana and beyond.

Ms Gaolemogwe further said that the theme, resonated well with the pillar three of Mindset Change Roadmap, being digitalisation, adding that this called for changed thoughts towards STEM and perceiving it as a game changer in people’s lives.

“The truth is that there is no bettering of life without STEM,” she said.BIUST Deputy Vice Chancellor , Professor Abraham Ogwu informed the attendees that this initiative stemmed from the SADC initiative following a resolution by SADC Science and Technology Ministers in 2008 that SADC should set aside atleast a week every year to commemorate Research, Science, Technology and Innovation.

“Our objective is to increase public awareness, understanding, engagement and appreciation of the importance of science, technology and innovation in our daily lives, through various interactive platforms,” he said.

Prof Ogwu added that it was time to reflect on the impact of science in people’s lives and to inspire future generations to explore the mysteries of the natural world.

The launch also included an exhibition of projects by BIUST learners which included an electric smart metre, electric motorbike as well as a shoe cleaning machine. ENDS