News

The University of Botswana (UB) Foundation has announced Standard Chartered Bank Botswana as the platinum sponsor of the upcoming 2025 UB Marathon, scheduled for 7th September. Standard Chartered Bank has committed P1 million to support the initiative.

The sponsorship was unveiled during a press conference on 17th June 2025, attended by the University leadership, corporate partners and past marathon participants. The event highlighted the growing significance of the marathon, not only as a sporting event but as a strategic platform for educational advancement and social inclusion.

Standard Chartered Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mpho Masupe, reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing partnership with the University, recalling the initial P800,000 contribution made three years ago.

“We believed then, as we do now, that the UB Marathon serves as a catalyst for sports development in Botswana,” said, Mr Masupe, noting the that the P1 million sponsorship for the UB Marathon was a reflection of the bank’s enduring commitment to building the country not only through financial services but through partnerships that uplift communities.

Furthermore, Mr Masupe emphasised that the bank was dedicated to diversity and inclusion, that had been evident in the marathon’s categories that included differently abled categories, highlighting that those were the principles embedded in its global operations and actively measured across all branches.

UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, praised the collaboration as a model for how academia and industry could drive national progress.

“Partnerships like these are powering economies around the world,” said Prof Norris, adding that the funds would directly support postgraduate students who were at the forefront of research and innovation.

The event also featured remarks from the 2024 disability category winner, Mr Gofaone Lesetedi, who shared a personal account of how the marathon had transformed his life.

 “It’s not just about who finishes first but about the impact on differently abled individuals, women and children,” said Lesetedi. Moreover, he indicated that the marathon had become a platform for visibility, empowerment and purpose.

Proceeds from the 2025 marathon will be directed towards postgraduate scholarships and research initiatives at the University of Botswana, reinforcing the institution’s mission to cultivate academic excellence and societal impact.