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The enduring legacy of the late Mr Piet Rakeeku Kengalogile and Mrs Yarubi Piet Kengalogile was celebrated on the 25th of July 2026 when the University of Botswana (UB) unveiled their tombstones at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) in Sexaxa, Maun.

The ceremony honoured the Kengalogile family's selfless donation of approximately 70 hectares of land upon which the Okavango Research Institute is situated. Their generosity laid the foundation for what has become one of Africa's leading environmental and natural resources research institutions, contributing significantly to scientific knowledge, environmental conservation, climate change research and sustainable development.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Minister of Higher Education, Hon Prince Maele, described the family's gift as a lasting investment for Botswana's future.

"The Kengalogile family's visionary contribution is a perpetual gift that continues to serve Batswana through research, innovation and education," he said.

Hon Maele commended the family for exemplifying patriotism and selflessness, noting that their donation had enabled ORI to grow into an internationally recognised centre of excellence whose research continued to address critical issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability and natural resource management.

University of Botswana Chancellor, Her Excellency, Ms Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, also paid tribute to the family, describing their donation as an enduring legacy that reflected Botswana's long tradition of nation-building through collective sacrifice.

She said the family's generosity echoed the spirit of the Botswana University Campus Appeal (BUCA) which inspired Batswana to contribute towards the establishment of the University of Botswana through a shared vision of self-reliance and national development.

Ms Seretse encouraged Sexaxa residents and the wider Ngamiland community to continue embracing opportunities that promoted education, research and socio-economic development for future generations.

Member of Parliament for Maun West, Hon Dumelang Saleshando, described the occasion as a celebration of unsung heroes whose contribution had benefited countless generations.

"This is a celebration of people who invested in the education of Batswana and in knowledge about Botswana," he said. "Their sacrifice continues to inspire us to value education and to appreciate those whose vision has made these opportunities possible."

In a gesture that further strengthened the bond between the University and the Kengalogile family, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, announced two fully funded UB scholarships for two deserving members of the Kengalogile family who attained outstanding results in the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). The scholarships underscore the University's commitment to recognising exceptional acts of generosity while expanding access to higher education.