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BOTEC and CSIR of South Africa signd Memorandum of Understanding

Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of South Africa on the 14 th August 2009 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held at BOTEC Headquarter premises. This memorandum jointly promotes the development and implementation of technology for the development of both nations and beyond. The signing ceremony was witnessed by both BOTEC staff and CSIR principals.

Dr Edson Tsiababa Selaolo, Chief Executive Officer of BOTEC signed for the organization while Mr. Godfrey Mosimaneotsile was the witness at this ceremony. Ms Khungeka Njobe, CSIR Group Executive of Research and Development, Outcomes and Strategic Human Capital signed for her institution and was witnessed by Mr. Kagiso Keatimilwe also from the CSIR.

Both parties have pledged to work together for the common goals in the field of science and technology for the benefits of their respective nations. Indeed, the memorandum also consolidates the already existing relationship between the two formidable institutions which have similar mandates.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Selaolo was delighted to be involved at the momentous occasion of signing the Memorandum of Understanding by BOTEC and CSIR and commended the principals for working tirelessly for its realization and future success.

The signing of the memorandum also demonstrated that both institutions are indeed moving with the times. Dr Selaolo recalled that during the industrial revolution, a lot of things happened and also in the mid 1950s the digital revolution set in, however in both cases, uptake in Africa was very slow to the point of almost losing out.

However, “today technology is becoming more of the norm and we really ought to cash on” pledged Dr Selaolo. He reiterated that the signed memorandum will not just be a matter of appending signatures but a sign of commitment by both institutions. Indeed we should include a “Plan of action for the MOU and an implementation strategy that will benefit both of our respective countries” he confirmed. “As scientists, we do not need money but rather space and a fit-for- purpose environment to carryout our work,” equipped Dr Selaolo. And in this respect he wished the implementation of the MOU success, and that he was optimistic for greater things to come in the future which would in turn benefit our societies.

On her part, Ms Khungeka Njobe, Group Executive, CSIR, congratulated BOTEC principals for the Centre’s successful 30 year anniversary and Open day celebrations.

She commended BOTEC for their innovations that appeal to the local issues as well as applying the best knowledge. She said that the CSIR will turn 64 in October 2009 while BOTEC has just turned 30 years old. “That should say something great,” she said.

She also said that MOU is building on a bridge between the two institutions and cultivating a sense of togetherness for a long time to come.

“No fear that nothing will happen. We need to immediately put a plan on the table and make this happen,” she said. Recognizing the fact that both institutions have similar mandates, Njobe urged BOTEC to also continue to “form partnerships /relationships and alliances with other institutions of repute like we are witnessing today,” she urged.

Meanwhile, Mr. Thabane Ndlovu, the BOTEC Board of Directors member emphasized capacity building and collaborative research as some of the key elements in guaranteeing success in Research and Development. “We need more customer focus and not just to do research for the sake of it” he cautioned. He also said that BOTEC should have reflections over a period of 100 days in which the Centre seriously takes stock of what it has so far done, its achievement and the way forward.

He commended CSIR and hoped that the relationship that exists between the two institutions will be judged by generations to come.

To the media he pleaded “Please be lenient with us. Do not shoot us down. It is counter productive to shoot us down, especially when we are innocent,” he concluded.

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