News

It's not a secret anymore. University of Botswana has a radio station. You just have to log on to www.ubradio.co.bw or download a mobile phone application to enjoy a bouquet of  “hot topics” and music of all genres and ages.

It is an exciting addition to the broadcasting industry not only in Botswana but the rest of the world as its online presence makes it accessible anywhere around the globe, thereby strategically poised to raise the profile of the University of Botswana internationally.

“This is phenomenal growth in the media sector. It’s not about being behind the microphone as a broadcaster, it’s bringing business, it’s nurturing talent, it’s developing skills,” said Deputy Permanent Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Services, Mr Oshinka Tsiang, at the official launch of the online radio on May 6. 2021.

Besides training and giving students practical experience, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Fidelis Nkomazana, said the online radio would market the University of Botswana globally.

Giving an overview of the project, Head of the Department of Media Studies, Dr William Lesitaokana, expressed delight that after so many bureaucratic processes and bottlenecks, dating many years back, the radio station was now a reality. Dr Lesitaokana said there was a lot in store given that UBRadio offered a variety of programmes such as news, advertising and current affairs that would be beneficial to students, staff and audiences outside campus.

“There are a lot of benefits that we will derive from this radio, one of which is student empowerment. It will help students in the process of learning to stimulate and rekindle interest as well as build their confidence and career requirements to realise their full potential,” said an excited UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris.

Professor Norris said UBRadio would be used to share research findings with the world besides selling an image of a vibrant University of Botswana to potential students globally. He added that the radio station would be used for community engagement and for commercial and business opportunities for the University.

Giving a vote thanks, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Happy Siphambe, said UBRadio would play a critical role in a number of areas especially in the creative industry.

Meanwhile, the launch which was live streamed on UB social media platforms was also attended by among others, Mr Aaron Nyelesi, Director Corporate Communications and Consumer Affairs at Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority as well as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Mrs Motsei Rapelana.