News

The University of Botswana and the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture (MYSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) to pave way for collaboration in various areas of mutual interest.

Permanent Secretary at MYSC, Mr Kitso kemoeng, acknowledged the immense contribution the University of Botswana had added to the development of sports in the country.

Mr Kemoeng added that the signing came at an opportune time when his ministry was going through a restructuring process aimed at creating an institution that was more effective, and focused.

He said the exercise was to align delivery on the ministry’s mandate and ultimately building a youth that was well rounded. Therefore, having UB as a partner in knowledge and resources sharing would catapult both organisations closer to achieving their goals, he noted.

On the other hand, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, said establishing a comprehensive association between MYSC and UB could also trickle down into professionalising existing sporting codes within in the University such as football and rugby. He observed that the result would see the football team possibly participating in the premier league.

“We are very keen on nurturing the creativity of our young people and that we can do as a University and yourself, nurturing this talent in such a manner that it can also empower these young people economically,” added Professor Norris.

Dr Thulaganyo Mogobe, Head of Department of Visual and Performing Arts, in his overview said initially the MoU was centred around VAPA. However, they realised that a wider approach that encompassed all faculties in the University would be more effective and beneficial.

“The MoU is generic, and is done purposely so in order to accommodate various types of collaborations and projects,’’ Mogobe reiterated.

The MoU is not only limited to sports in that the Faculty of Humanities has been working closely with MYSC on a broader portfolio over the years. The department of African languages and Literature has in the past participated in commemoration of Culture Day and International Mother Tongue Day.  VAPA has also worked with MYSC on arts related activities that saw the birth of the Arts Council of Botswana besides offering expertise during the annual President’s Day competitions.

Further, the working relationship that already exists with entities such as Botswana National Sports Commission and UB’s Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation has seen the nurturing of top athletes such as silver gold medallist Nigel Amos, Solo runner Isaac Makwala and many others who have competed at international level.