News & Events

BOTEC Hosts Dinner for incoming and outgoing Board Members

download and view the new board members(pdf 6886 KB)

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications Science and Technology, Festina Bakwena has commended the Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) for coming up with innovative technology solutions that have contributed to the socio-economic development of Botswana.

In her speech Mrs Festina Bakwena, paid tribute to the founding members of BOTEC, Messrs Modiri Mbaakanye, Peter Molosi, Kgosi Mokhutshwane Sekgoma, Honorable Minister Baledzi Gaolathe and Phineas Makepe for their wise leadership that provided the platform for setting up the organization.

Mrs Bakwena thanked the outgoing Board members for their perseverance and for exhibiting excellent corporate governance traits during their tenure and called on the incoming Board to interact with the old in order for them to deal with the challenges and achievements that await them.

“Let us share insights into what BOTEC can do in order to realize its dream of harnessing innovative science and technology that can transform our country into a globally competitive nation,” advised Mrs Bakwena.

Bakwena said the road ahead is exciting for the new Board but cautioned them to be wary of the challenges ahead such as the expectations of staff, stakeholders and the public.

She however expressed confidence in the new Board which she said will provide strategic direction and leadership that will impact meaningfully on research and development in Botswana.

“For the old Board members, I hope that in your various roles you will be able to continue to build on the legacy and success you have left behind and for the new Board, I am confident that you will provide the leadership and initiative to drive BOTEC’s efforts to develop a robust research strategy that will transform the organization,” emphasized Bakwena.

In his remarks, the BOTEC Board Chairperson Professor Otlogetswe Totolo called on the new Board to reflect on the challenges from the past as well as ahead so as to avoid pitfalls. Professor Totolo said it is only organizations that believe in continuous improvement that are bound to succeed in dealing with contemporary issues.

“Following the period of uncertainty that we went through in the year 2007 and beginning of 2008, where BOTEC was to close and merge with RIPCO, I will admit that this was a difficult period for BOTEC staff and the Board. However, we should strive to move forward. This we can only do by making sure that we as the Board are clear on the mandate of the organization, and once there is that clarity, we can deliver on the mandate head on,” advised Professor Totolo.

He encouraged the new board members to familiarize themselves with the operations of BOTEC in order for them to catch up on the current issues at the organization.

He thanked the BOTEC Management for organizing the Corporate Governance workshop which came at the opportune time especially when new Board members are coming in.

“We need to always remember that BOTEC is fully funded by Government. We therefore, need to be accountable especially where government is also facing challenges of limited resources, therefore calling on us to justify our existence,” emphasized Professor Totolo.

He added that the BOTEC’s Research Strategy is near completion, and called on Board members to work extra hard in order to realize BOTEC’s dream of being a Center of Excellence.

This achievement he said can only be achieved if BOTEC has a clear mandate and is well resourced in all areas including human capital with the right competencies to deliver the mandate.

The new BOTEC Board Members are: Dr Ignatius Bonny Matshediso, Dr Onkemetse, Bash Tshosa, Professor Nelson Torto, Ms Poifo Poncana and Mrs Katlego Armone.

download and view the new board members(pdf 6886 KB)

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