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Vice Chancellor Advises New SRC & GSA to Make UB Student-Centred University

SRCVice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has advised the new Student Representative Council (SRC) and Graduate Students Association (GSA) to continual engage in dialogue with management to help make the University of Botswana a student-centred university. Professor Norris was speaking at the inauguration of the two student governing bodies on May 12, 2023.

Mr Magibisela is the new SRC President and together with his Council were sworn in on May 12, 2023 following elections held at the University of Botswana on April 28, 2023. The new GSA President is Mr Modiri Thekiso who has been elected twice consecutively.

Professor Norris said the inauguration was testament to the management’s firm recognition of the students' voice, aspirations, and invaluable contributions to the University of Botswana. He stated that the student body functioned as part of the institution’s lifeline in that it was its members’ energy and thirst for knowledge that helped to drive UB forward besides serving as a vital link between management and the student community.

The Vice Chancellor reminded the new SRC that they wielded the power to voice the concerns, hopes and dreams of their peers and Mr. Magibisela and his team a productive tenure in office.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Professor Georges Ekosse, urged the SRC members to maintain good character as it was key to becoming a good leader. Professor Ekosse further advised the new members to uphold good moral standards if they were to become an exemplary leadership. He said they must put aside pride because leadership was servitude. However, Professor Ekosse commended the students for taking the mantle of student representation.

Acting Director Student Welfare, Mrs Gaorekwe Labane congratulated the incoming Council and explained to them that leadership called for clear strategies and appropriate people skills to serve those that they led. Mrs. Labane also stated that it was imperative that they addressed academic and social challenges that students faced in a constructive and appropriate manner.

SRC President Mr Magibisela promised to chart a new path to deliver on their mandate. He said they would speak to issues of employability, commercialization of talent and entrepreneurship development. They would further engage internal departments, private sector and other relevant stakeholders aimed at student development to make them globally marketable.

Mr Magibisela added that the security and welfare of students would become part of their priorities. He implored his fellow Council members to serve first the needs of the student body and to be teachable as well as to devote themselves to delivering on their mandate.

Among dignitaries who attended the swearing in ceremony were Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire, Chief Finance Officer, Mrs Peo Pillar and Director Student Affairs, Mrs Motsei Rapelana.

Meanwhile, other SRC members are Vice President Mr Thobo Kwena, Secretary General, Mr. Selekanyo Mahube, Administrative Secretary, Ms Thatayaone Temane, Treasurer, Mr Brilliant Mancoba, Minister of Academic Affairs, Mr Montlatsi Monmas Masalila, Minister of Student Affairs, Mr Tshiamo Brain Badubi, Minister of Justice, Mr Bokamoso Mogorosi, Minister of Information and Publicity, Mr Maatla Ngakaagae, Minister of Sports, Mr Modiri Motshegwe, Minister of Entertainment, Mr April Moeng, Minister of Refectory, Mr Kabo Lesego Ramotlhala, and Minister of Bar and Canteen, Mr Otsile Phumisa. 

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