BIUST in P26m debt

 Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), currently ranked the number one university in Botswana, is reeling under a huge debt of P26 million owed to Ngwato Land board, The Patriot on Sunday has learnt. The revelation was made by acting vice Chancellor, Davies Tele during a tour of the university facilities by members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi last month, saying for the past two years BIUST has failed to pay Ngwato land board the annual fee of P13 million. Ngwato land board has allocated BIUST 2500 hectors of land, from which they collect an annual fee of P13million per year. Tele pleaded with dikgosi to intervene and help resolve the matter amicably since, as traditional leaders, they deal directly with land boards in Botswana. 

Among a number of other challenges outlined by Tele, BIUST students have inadequate accommodation forcing some of them to reside in pot-a-cabins which is not conducive for learners who are doing complex courses. BIUST currently has 2200 beds in total of which 1300 are temporal, he said. 

Tele said with projects such a snake park in the pipeline, BIUST is implementing a strategy of transforming into an entrepreneurial institution to create own revenue and avoid being dependent on government subventions. He said most of their students have running businesses to help curb the unemployment crisis faced by the country. When giving an overview of BIUST, Tele said the university has remained socially relevant as they helped build leobo at Palapye main kgotla, contributed P1 million towards Covid19 funds and have assisted with research concerning the Hatsalatladi ground cracks and the soon to be launched BOT SAT 1 which will contribute immensely to the agricultural sector. BIUST also uses the annual national science week to reach out to schools across the country as a public awareness exercise. For his part, the Chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Malope II said it is their first visit to BIUST as the 5th NtloYa Dikgosi and promised to take BIUST grievances to Parliament for consideration, particularly shortage of student accommodation. He said projects and research conducted by students at BIUST are complex and can contribute towards building a better Botswana, hence the need for a conducive learning environment. 

Dikgosi also urged BIUST academia to intensify research on indigenous knowledge systems, especial plants commonly used by ordinary people as traditional medicine to cure different ailments.

Fight GBV 

Meanwhile dikgosi have been urged to play their part as traditional leaders in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), which has become a scourge throughout the country. Opening a Ntlo ya dikgosi capacity building workshop in Palapye on 21st January 2025, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe reiterated the importance of chiefs being at the forefront. 

Gaolathe highlighted the need to build a well-managed country, one that is a centre of unity, fairness, and prosperity on the African content. Placing emphasis on the safety of women, he added that such cannot be attained until everyone feels safe. “The safety of women in our country is not a political issue but one that requires the attention of dikgosi. They possess cultural knowledge which is the light we need. Cultural knowledge builds character and therefore dikgosi are a well to be drawn from,” said Gaolathe. 

As an advisory body to the National Assembly, Ntlo ya dikgosi exists to advice on issues of national interest as set out in the Constitution of Botswana. As such, the legislative house has promised to work cordially with the government. However, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko revealed that in the past dikgosi were often mistaken to have interest in politics by politicians, while the aim was only interfering to create solutions at chieftaincy level, something she pointed out to be a limiting factor they are faced with. In addition, Kgosi Seboko said although dikgosi are usually expected to work within the confinement of their offices, it is equally important for them to go out into the community and have open ended conversations with the public to hold dialogues that may help curb the trouble of GBV. “We have seen an alarming increase of GBV related issues. We are in agreement with the leadership of our country and want to face this crises head on,” she said.