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A University of Toronto delegation which the University of Botswana recently hosted in Gaborone, visited Manyana to appreciate community projects aimed at turning the village into a model of a smart village. In 2021, UB entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manyana Community Development Trust (MACODET) to turn the village into a model of a smart village. University of Toronto is also part of the MoU.

Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Bahurutshi highlighted in his welcome remarks that turning Manyana into a technology hub would alleviate some of the economic challenges and social ills currently experienced by his community. Kgosi Mosielele added that Manyana village was rich with opportunities especially for the youth who were struggling with high unemployment. Projects such as empowering small industries via internet, use of natural resources such as perennial water flow, rocks and fish farming as well being a tourist attraction, as some of the opportunities that could be exploited.

“Manyana is endowed with a lot of natural resources, this might be in the form of heritage sites, natural herbs, indigenous fruits and its own culture,’’ added Kgosi Mosielele

He expressed delight at the unwavering support they received from the University of Botswana and also for bringing in other stakeholders such as the University of Toronto and Sepapane Group to fulfill their promises. Sepapane Group have already started work on the technological front.

Furthermore, MACODET Chairman, Mr Sonnyboy Sethibe, emphasized the importance of partnerships and expressed gratitude towards UB for having brought the University of Toronto on board as it would address issues that hinder progress such as capacity building.

“This is what we believe, if we as individuals and community are ready to benefit, we can be helped,’’ reiterated Mr Sethibe.

UB Stakeholder Relations Manager, Professor Jean-Pierre Delport said UB had engaged Sepapane Group to be an implementing partner and execute some of the objectives of turning Manyana into a smart village. Sepapane Group Director, Mr Goboletswe Sepapane, elaborated on the progress achieved since UB engaged them. 

He said they were currently conducting research that would assist them in building a brand strategy that would allow them to effectively brand Manyana. He added that they had created a community portal dubbed Manyanaonline.co.bw. Although not accessible yet, the website intends to aggregate many services such as information about the village, eCommerce, taxi-booking, events management and many others in order to attract tourists and for the community to navigate. In addition, the group is working on getting fiber installed for ease of internet use as opposed to using satellite. 

“I’m glad that the University of Toronto is here, we are inviting you to be part of this and assist us in rolling out this project and even invest in this initiative,” said Mr Sepapane.

Vice president of the University of Toronto, Professor Wisdom Tettey, expressed delight at the potential of Manyana. He said since that was their first visit, they would simply gather information and return later with expertise on how they could be of assistance to turn Manyana Village into a model of a smart village.