Teachers licensing initiative to uphold education standards
Itumeleng Suping | Monday October 27, 2025 11:52
The event, themed ‘Professionalisation at the core; Transforming Education for Sustainable Development’, marks the beginning of a structured system that will ensure only qualified and competent individuals are entrusted with shaping the nation’s future through education.
During the launch, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, emphasised the importance of teacher licensing and registration. “The exercise is meant to elevate the standard of teaching through advanced digitalization, which is why we are professionalising teaching. Today marks an important milestone where teaching will be professionalised,’’ she noted.
She further mentioned that the registration and licensing process will not only enhance accountability but also promote continuous professional development among teachers. ”Teachers will now be accorded a chance to renew their licenses at the comfort of their own convenience, ensuring teaching continues at large,” she said.
The minister also said that it is meant for continuous professional development and maintaining standards. Kgafela-Mokoka further said that the initiative is a response to the growing concerns about unqualified individuals in the teaching space, a challenge that has massively affected the quality of education offered to students.
“A person shall not be employed as a teacher unless they are registered. I urge all teachers to ensure they are registered. This initiative will accord all teachers across Botswana the same convenience regardless of their location. No one shall be employed unless they have registered, and this is to ensure that only registered and licensed teachers are found in the classroom teaching,” she added. The minister urged all teachers to embrace the process and view it not as a restriction but as an opportunity for them to grow and demonstrate their commitment to educational excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the teaching fraternity, Ignatious Ndlovu, a Mathematics teacher at Maitlamo Junior Secondary School, commended BOTEPCO’s efforts, saying the licensing will motivate teachers to uphold ethics that reflect the teaching profession at large.
”As a teacher, I have witnessed BOTEPCO’s professionalism and responsiveness firsthand. Their engagement with teachers is inclusive and respectful, demonstrating that this process is about empowerment, not enforcement. It reminds us that we are partners in the journey toward educational excellence. To my fellow teachers, this is our moment. Let us register proudly, update our details, and embrace our professional identity with confidence,” he emphasised.
The launch of Teacher Registration and Licensing sets a tone for a transformative journey in the country’s education system. Held at Tlokweng Royal Aria Conference Centre, it drew participation from teachers across the country who welcomed the move as a step towards enhancing the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession.
The initiative is set to see all practicing teachers undergo a formal registration process and is issued licenses upon meeting the required professional and ethical standards that a teacher ought to have.