18 Aug 2025

Botswana’s economic success centres on the development of a skilled workforce, Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele has said.

Speaking at the reopening of the Roads Training Centre (RTC), which had been closed since 2020, Minister Maele underscored government’s commitment to equipping citizens with the expertise needed to drive innovation, productivity and economic resilience.

He said the reopening of the RTC signified the “resurgence of a national vision rooted in progress, precision and purpose.”

“It is part of the discussions and engagements that will underpin economic transitions that will herald a new renaissance for the country,” he said.

Again, he said the reopening of the RTC was not just about laying the foundation for the construction of roads, but creating a pathway to innovation, employment and sustainable development.

He added that infrastructure remained the framework upon which economies thrived, communities connected and dreams were pursued.

“This reopening confirms our commitment to the key priorities which government has set for itself: growing the economy, creating jobs, building better lives and building a new Botswana,” he added.

Founded in 1974, the RTC was temporarily closed in 2020 while undergoing accreditation renewal with the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA).

It was accredited as an Education Training Provider in 2023 and successfully accredited three qualifications which included Diploma in Highway Engineering, Certificate V in Road Construction and Maintenance as well as a Certificate III in Heavy Plant Operations.

With 29 students enrolled, the centre reopened today starting with the legacy programme and the Highway Engineering Technician Diploma Course (HETDC).

Furthermore, Mr Maele said the enrollment process for National Credit Qualification Framework (NCQF) programmes would take place in the next academic year (2026-27).

He said the ministry was currently working on  the accreditation of NCQF programmes with the BQA while the learning programme for the Diploma in Highway Engineering was still being developed.

He emphasised that the curriculum would not only equip students with cutting-edge skills in road design, maintenance and safety engineering, but would also instill the entrepreneurial, leadership and problem-solving abilities required to meet the infrastructure challenges of tomorrow.

“The introduction of the NCQF programmes reflects government’s unwavering commitment to advancing Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and industry-readiness learners. We know that TVET holds the key to unlocking and developing employment opportunities, entrepreneurial potential and economic transformation, as well as offering a narrative for attracting investors and partnerships outside our borders,” said Mr Maele.

He further highlighted a need to align the education system with the skills and expertise required by the global industry, emphasising the importance of collaboration and partnerships.

Minister Maele indicated that forging strong partnerships between government, the private sector and academia was necessary and inevitable for creating an integrated talent pipeline.

He said collaboration allowed for sharing of knowledge, exchange of expertise as well as creation of solutions to complex challenges. Partnerships in education and technology transfer, he said, ensured that no one was left behind in the journey.

Moreover, he urged students to use the opportunities before them to develop their technical skills, particularly to build a character that can withstand the pressures of life and the challenges of the job market.

“The skills you gain will open doors, but it is the character you build that will keep those doors open. In a world that constantly changes, the strength of your character, integrity, work ethic and ability to rise above adversity, will be your most valuable asset,” he said.

He urged students to hold to their values, saying it was such values that would empower them to succeed in their personal endeavours and contribute to the greater good of the nation.

Meanwhile, student representative, Ms Destiny Webb said as they embarked on their three-year journey, they would thrive, learn and grow to contribute their skills and perspectives to the infrastructure industry. Ms Webb said they were excited about the reopening of the centre and were eager to play a role in shaping the future of the country’s roads and transport system.

Meanwhile, the centre received 430 applications and enrolled 29 students for the legacy programme. RTC principal, Ms Palesa Mokote-Tshabaesele, appealed to the minister for an additional seven lecturers, stating that the facility was currently short-staffed.

Ms Mokote-Tshabaesele also said the centre had a shortage of laboratories, including a computer laboratory, as well as the software needed for students’ day-to-day learning. ENDS