MMADIKOLO CELEBRATES WITH THE GHETTO
Widely regarded with pride as a product of the self-help spirit of our forefathers invoked by the country’s founding President, Sir Seretse Khama in a campaign called Motho-le-Motho kgomo (one man, one beast) the University of Botswana celebrated 40 anniversary with Francistowners as it continues to take the university to the people.
The second city’s Mayor Hon. Godisang Radisigo felt honoured that the university could celebrate this milestone with the community of Francistown. “This university of Botswana is the heartbeat of the nation. It shaped the future of the country, to which I would like to say thank you University of Botswana for your leadership and management,”he said when welcoming guests. The celebrations were launched in Gaborone in June 2022, proceeded to Serowe and Maun before coming to Francistown.
Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe said the timing of the occasion was perfectly alligned with transformation from a resource to a knowledge-based economy. The Minister added that it also gave an opportunity to reflect and reimagine the landscape of our tertiary education system. UB Chancellor H.E Tebelelo Mazile Seretse paid tribute to the selfless individuals who had sacrifised their time to ensure the University of Botswana dream was realised especially Former Cabinet Minister, the late Chapson Butale. When BUCA Coordinating Committee was established, it was made up of Dr Molefhe, Peter Olsen, Boniface Masete, Lorraine Tapela and Chapson Jabavu Butale.
The Chancellor described Butale as passionate about education, a trait he continuously demonstrated throghout his decade long teaching career. Before stepping down after losing BDP primary elections, Butale had been head of three Ministries; Local Government and Lands; Works, Transport and Communications; as well as Health.