23 Feb 2014

The chairperson of the University of Botswana Council is not the legal advisor to the University Council, Parliament was told.

The Assistant Minister of Education Mr Patrick Masimolole said on Thursday, February 20 that the chairperson was a lawyer by profession and a senior partner at one of the two law firms that from time to time, provide legal services to the University. “The Chairperson of council, like any other member of council, is required at the commencement of any meeting to disclose any interest that he may have likely to conflict with any of the items on the agenda of council, and to recuse himself or allow council to decide whether he should be recused, if there is a likelihood of conflict of duty and interest,” he said.

Mr Masimolole said this was in accordance with section 17 of the University of Botswana Act. The chairperson, he said, has never failed to comply with the requirement. He further told the House that since the council strictly and consistently observes the conflict of interest requirement, good governance practice was adhered to. 

The Assistant Minister was responding to a question asked by the Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central, Mr Dumelang Saleshando who had asked if it was true the chairperson of the University of Botswana council also serves as the legal advisor to the council. MP Saleshando further asked the minister if it was consistent with good corporate governance if it was the case. ENDS