News

University of Botswana (UB) has strengthened its footprint in the creative and cultural landscape by officially welcoming Mophato Dance Theatre and Hi-Note Productions as its resident creative partners. The milestone was sealed during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held on the 4th of December 2025 at UB, where the two groups presented a vibrant performance, Dancing Under the Stars. The production reenacted the historic 1976 Motho le Motho Kgomo Pitso, paying tribute to the visionaries, including the Swaneng Five (5), whose efforts laid the foundation for the establishment of the University of Botswana.

Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, described the occasion as a defining moment in UB’s evolution, noting that the partnership signalled the birth of the University as a central hub of creativity in the city. “This is the official opening of the University of Botswana as a centre for creativity and entertainment in Botswana,” he remarked, emphasising the institution’s commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive cultural spaces.

Representing the Ministry of Sports and Arts, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Tebogo Matebesi, highlighted the broader national significance of the partnership. He underscored the catalytic role of the creative industry in driving economic transformation, job creation and national identity. “Creative industries are globally recognised as engines of economic transformation,” he said. “Tonight is more than a performance. It is a landmark partnership that shows what can be achieved when academia, industry and the creative economy come together.” Mr Matebesi added that Botswana’s creative sector held immense potential to empower youth, diversify the economy and position the country on the global cultural map.

Hi-Note Productions Lead, Mr Tshepo Lesole, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, calling the presence of their production studio within UB’s UniPod a monumental opportunity. “Having a production studio in the heart of UB is the equivalent of having one at the centre of Gaborone and such is a blessing,” he said. Mr Lesole added that the partnership represented a major milestone that would open new avenues for creativity and innovation.

Founder and Director of Mophato Dance Theater, Mr Andrew Kola, reflected on the transformative power of artist residency programmes, noting that his own artistic development was shaped by such opportunities. Mr Kola described the UB residency as a crucial platform for nurturing talent, fostering creativity and expanding the country’s cultural footprint. “This space will house a nurturing environment for the arts and crafts, creating more theatres such as this one,” he added.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe, reaffirmed UB’s commitment to advancing arts and culture in Botswana. He noted ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture and announced the University’s plans to launch the first annual University of Botswana Arts Festival in 2026. “This MoU forms the foundation of that vision,” said Professor Otlogetswe, emphasising that the partnership represented an important step towards strengthening UB’s role in the national arts ecosystem.