Gambling Authority Hosts Orientation for 2024 ‘Motshameko O Phepha’ Scholarship Recipients
The Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) hosted an Orientation Day on the 14th of January 2025, at its headquarters to welcome six PhD and five Master’s degree recipients of the 2024 ‘Motshameko o Phepha’ Scholarship. The event marks the beginning of their academic journey at the University of Botswana for the 2024/2025 semester.
Established through a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BGA and UB, the scholarship aims to foster innovative research, academic excellence, and sustainable development in Botswana's gambling sector.
Speaking at the event, Gambling Authority’s Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs, Mr Moruntshi Kemorwale, emphasised the significance of research in addressing industry challenges. “Solutions can only come from within. This scholarship reflects our commitment to higher education and industry sustainability through innovative research,” he said, urging the scholars to excel in their studies.
Statistics Botswana representatives highlighted the importance of sound data practices in research. National Statistical System Coordinator, Mrs Elizabeth Mantswe, emphasised ethical data collection standards, noting their role in decision-making for a sustainable gambling sector. She encouraged scholars to utilise Statistics Botswana’s resources.
Senior Documentation and Dissemination Officer, Mrs Nametso Kgosiyame, underscored the value of collaboration with Statistics Botswana, appealing to students to submit their research data to the National Repository for future citations. Methodologist, Mrs Kebotsamang Daniel, echoed the call for precision in data collection, noting its role in driving accurate insights and fostering industry growth.
Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at UB, Dr Philip Bulawa, expressed gratitude to the Gambling Authority and Statistics Botswana for their partnership in advancing research and higher learning. “This collaboration strengthens academia and propels Botswana’s industry forward,” he stated, urging the students to maximise the scholarship and available resources.