03 Mar 2026

Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has praised the outstanding performance of Marulamantsi Primary School, describing it as a model of excellence and innovation for Botswana’s future.

Speaking at the school’s prize-giving ceremony in Gaborone on Monday, Mr Gaolathe commended the inaugural cohort of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) graduates for achieving an impressive 97.7 per cent pass rate in their first national examination. The results placed Marulamantsi at the top among government schools in Gaborone.

“This does not happen by luck. It is a reflection of discipline and a strong culture of excellence,” he said.

Established just two years ago, the school was applauded for its innovative approach to education, including the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into the curriculum, as well as its commitment to inclusive learning.

Mr Gaolathe paid tribute to teachers for laying a solid foundation in literacy, numeracy and modern technology, and acknowledged the critical support of parents and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in fostering a conducive learning environment.

Addressing learners, he reflected on Botswana’s history of diamond mining, which helped build the nation’s infrastructure and stability. However, he cautioned that reliance on natural resources alone was no longer sustainable in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by knowledge and innovation.

He highlighted government’s broader economic vision under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, which seeks to transition the country from resource dependency to a knowledge-based economy.

Encouraging learners to adopt excellence as a daily habit, Mr Gaolathe emphasised the importance of integrity, effort and continuous learning.

“Excellence is not a one-time achievement but a way of life,” he said. “Preparation begins with habits, habits build character, and character builds nations.”

He urged pupils to envision themselves working in sectors such as finance, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and technology, stressing that both skill and integrity were essential for national development.

The Vice President also underscored the importance of inclusive education, noting that every child, regardless of ability, should be given an opportunity to succeed.

Mr Gaolathe expressed confidence that Marulamantsi Primary School would continue to inspire future generations and remain a beacon of excellence in Botswana.

Meanwhile, teachers Ms Banana Majagoba, Ms Angel Keitumetse and Ms Kagiso Mokoni each received P1,500 in recognition of their excellence.

Top-performing pupils Kutlo Rantona and Tshwanelo Madikane were awarded P1,000, a trophy and a medal for attaining straight As. The school further recognised 40 pupils who achieved grade A and 45 pupils who attained grades B and C.

In her remarks, Ms Majagoba thanked the PTA for its support, noting that when the school opened, it enrolled pupils from different institutions with varied attitudes and behaviours. She said unity between teachers and parents had been key to achieving the school’s goals. ENDS