News

Final-year students from the University of Botswana’s (UB) Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM) officially handed over a revamped MmaSechele Heritage Site to the Manyana Village Development Trust in a gesture of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at safeguarding and preserving cultural heritage. The ceremony took place at the historic Manyana Rock Paintings site on the 25th of April 2025.

As part of their CSR initiative, 21 Level 400 students raised P19 000 to upgrade the heritage site. The funds were used to install a 5000-litre water tank with metal stands, solar-powered lights and poles to improve infrastructure at the site.

Speaking at the event, Kgosi Arnold Mangope, representing Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Bahurutshe, expressed gratitude to the students for selecting the MmaSechele Heritage Site as their project beneficiary. He emphasised the importance of preserving historical landmarks as vital links to Botswana’s cultural past and potential tourism attractions.

Student representative, Ms Gaone Kehakgametse, highlighted that the project was inspired by UB’s “Motho le Motho Kgomo” tagline which promotes community engagement and self-reliance. She noted that the initiative brought together key stakeholders including the Department of National Museum and Monuments and Botswana Tourism Organisation in a shared mission to protect the site for future generations.

Botswana Tourism Organisation’s (BTO) Tourism Development Manager, Mr John Kenalemang, praised the initiative as a reflection of UB’s commitment to community engagement. He said collaboration between UB DTHM students, Manyana Village and national heritage institutions exemplified meaningful partnerships that uplifted local communities.

Director of the Department of National Museum and Monuments, Mr Vasco Baitseseng, stressed the strategic importance of heritage conservation in diversifying Botswana’s tourism sector. He called for more sites like Manyana to be considered for international recognition through UNESCO, citing the potential to boost tourism and create employment at the community level. He commended the students for their dedication to heritage preservation.

Closing the event, UB lecturer, Dr Brighton Hurombo, thanked dignitaries and stakeholders for their support, reaffirming that such student-led initiatives had a lasting impact on both heritage preservation and community development. He hinted at more similar projects to come as the University deepened its commitment to societal transformation through education.