Maele hails Limkokwing as Botswana’s TVET model
Gofiwa Gobonwang | Thursday June 11, 2026 10:45
During the visit, the Minister expressed strong admiration for the university, describing it as a “global TVET model” and stating that “seeing is believing.”
As the eighth institution on his tour, he noted a special significance in the number eight and was particularly impressed by the practical TVET skills showcased during an exhibition tour of the campus. Maele emphasised that government investment in private institutions requires direct oversight to ensure funds are used effectively to deliver quality practical training and create a conducive learning environment. He described the institutional visits as a strategic initiative to identify challenges, successes, and opportunities for targeted support.
“The energy I see is the energy I have. The passion I see is the passion I have. In short, your story is my story,” the Minister said. “You are the perfect example of a global TVET model.”
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to transforming higher education and the lives of young Batswana by addressing unemployment through expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. The goal, he explained, is to produce skilled, independent entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and reducing reliance on government employment.
“This is the time to diversify and think outside the box,” Maele stated. “With the economy facing challenges, we cannot continue to bask in diamonds alone. We must depend on ourselves. The new diamonds we need to mine are our young people, and that mining is done through skilling.”
The Minister praised Limkokwing’s model of producing graduates who become job creators rather than job seekers. He urged all higher education institutions to make their programmes competitive by focusing on quality, research, innovation, and international collaborations.
“For a university to be sustainable and less dependent on government, research is critical,” he said. “Research generates income, attracts international students, and allows institutions to benchmark themselves through partnerships.” Maele also highlighted the importance of tracking graduate outcomes. He noted that Limkokwing’s strong alumni network and industry placements demonstrate the institution’s positive impact and return on investment.
On 6 July 2026, the Ministry will launch a new sponsorship application system that allows prospective students to apply to institutions and for sponsorship simultaneously from the comfort of their homes, with immediate letters of acceptance upon processing. The Minister challenged marketing teams across institutions to recruit effectively under this more transparent and competitive framework.
Limkokwing University has aligned strongly with government priorities to “make TVET fashionable.” The Minister announced that next year there will be a deliberate increase in sponsorships for TVET programmes, recognising that these have historically been undervalued. With the rise of AI and shifting employment trends, he stressed that practical TVET skills remain essential. “AI will not overtake TVET skills,” he affirmed. He also endorsed the Dual TVET model, noting that through industry collaborations, nearly all (99.9%) participating students are absorbed into employment by their partner organisations.
In closing, Maele encouraged Limkokwing University to deepen collaborations with industry partners, stating that such linkages make graduate employment significantly easier. He left the institution visibly impressed by its exhibition and overall contribution to Botswana’s higher education landscape.