ENTREPRENEURSHIP N CEREMONY
Ms. Phatshimo Balone
Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC), held a successful ‘Starting Your Business Course’ Graduation Ceremony in Palapye on Saturday 5th December. The 26 graduates were recipients of the MYSC Youth Development Fund who enrolled for a course under the Centre for Business Management, Entrepreneurship and General Education. Giving an overview of the course, the Director of Centre for Business Management, Entrepreneurship and General Education, Professor Patricia Makepe explained that the programme is packaged in such a way that graduates would be able to ‘start, grow, and successfully manage’ their businesses. Professor Makepe added that the collaboration between BIUST and MYSC was ideally timed in light of the threat COVID-19 posses to the business world. “These graduates are now ready to meaningfully contribute to the economy by applying requisite skills to their businesses,” she said. In his welcome remarks, BIUST Vice-chancellor,
Mr. Karabo Mokgadi
Mr. Thabo Gaborone
Professor Otlogetswe Totolo applauded MYSC for awarding youths the funds to start their businesses, noting funding is one of the constraints entrepreneurs face. Professor Totolo said the skills and competencies acquired by the graduates are exactly what is needed to endure the challenges, and seize the opportunities, arising in today’s disruptive, constantly changing environment. “The current COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted all of us, and business in particular, is one such disruption that had made entrepreneurs rethink their business strategies, be innovative and hone in their business acumen to weather the challenges it poses,” highlighted Totolo. The Vice-chancellor further stressed that BIUST are committed to ensuring those who wish to start, grow and sustain a business are able to do so successfully. He noted that this would ultimately help generate more sustainable job opportunities, improve incomes and the quality of life of citizens. “This is how we are going to change the economic landscape of our country. Together with others like MYSC, BIUST is a transformative agent of our nation!” Totolo noted. He further said that the graduates are a testimony to BIUST’S relentless pursuit to be of relevance to its locality and a worthy citizen of the Palapye constituency by up-skilling young entrepreneurs who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to study at BIUST. “At BIUST we believe this is how we fit into the ‘Engagement for Development’ Pillar in our Revised Strategy, whereby we seek not to be only inwardlooking in our efforts, but we also strive to have a positive impact,” he stated. Giving a keynote address, MYSC Minister, Tumiso Rakgare reinforced his government’s commitment to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development
Mr. Mogomotsi Moupi
Ms. Enele Molathiwa
Goals (SDGS), which includes: creating an informal Sector, vibrant Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (SMMES) that contribute significantly to the economy and creating decent jobs and provide sustainable livelihoods for Batswana. “One of the strategies to achieve economic growth and diversification is to impart entrepreneurship skills to the citizens of Botswana, especially the youth who have just graduated from tertiary institutions and are out of school,” Rakgare told the graduates. He further declared his Ministry will continue to empower youth to contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s socio-economic development, as well as equip them with the relevant skills to cope with the ever-changing demands of life. “BIUST is actively involved in community engagement through transferring the much-needed entrepreneurship skills to the youth. That gesture to the community is really appreciated,” praised the Minister. Speaking on behalf of other graduates, Phatsimo Balone, who operates a laundry service in Palapye, said she was grateful to be graduating at a time when running a business requires a totally different approach. “The training has prepared us to face and deal with any challenges. Above all, it has given us the confidence to take risks and manage our business affairs,” insisted a confident Balone. Member of Parliament (MP) for Palapye, Onnetse Ramogapi applauded Minister Rakgare for being hands-on and always availing himself whenever needed. “Your presence here is motivation on its own,” he said. Ramogapi urged the graduates to look at their certificates with pride, as graduating from BIUST is no small feat. “You’ve been given wings, go out and encouraged the MP.
Mr. Thatayone Marope a wg ar ra de du d at ce es rti fi ca te s fly,”