Limko graduates 2,322
Archie Mokoka | Friday August 30, 2019 14:29
Tertiary education minister, Thapelo Olopeng congratulated the Class of 2019 for ‘making it in life’. He explained: “I deliberately make reference to ‘making it in life’ because graduating from an institution of higher learning culminates from the realisation that someone had a dream that they achieved through hard work and perseverance.
Three years ago, most of you entered the gates of this institution, without anything to your names, but dreams to change your lives. Today, there is light on what you want to become. There is a lot of work to do from here, and the journey of a thousand miles has just begun”. Olopeng called on the graduates to sustain the energy of the fire that has been kindled inside them.
Olopeng further said the theme, Designing the Future, was timely because all government efforts are directed at producing globally competitive graduates.
“This is why in his inaugural address in April 2018, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, outlined as part of his roadmap, transformation of this economy from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
He saw the need to empower our people with creative technology and innovation skills, for them to become active players in the global market. Today, my ministry is working around the clock for institutions of higher learning to produce globally competitive graduates. We are working around the clock for institutions of higher learning to develop futuristic and industry specific programmes that can meet the demands of the market,” Olopeng stated.
For Botswana to achieve the Transformation Agenda and become a better country he said the commitment and efforts of the graduates were needed to innovate and develop solutions that can solve world problems. Olopeng urged the graduates to use their ‘many techniques of using technology’ to create employment.
He said through the fourth industrial revolution phase, Batswana must be known for producing innovations that will change the world, and Class of 2019, its hope.
Tshephang Motsisi also known as DJ Izzy of Yarona fm was one of the graduates who shared his experience.
He spoke of how he gave his mother heartache by continuously dropping out of school to pursue a radio career and business. Later in life he realised he was missing a lot of opportunities and as luck would have it he became one of the Tan Sri Limkokwing Media Scholarship beneficiaries.
Motsisi said to felloww graduates: “Do not be too cool for school. No amount of money, passion or laziness should stop you from furthering your education”.
Founder and president of the international institution Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Panduka Dr Lim Kok Wing congratulated the graduates and urged them to stay connected and focused to create footprints wherever they go.
“You may not even know it, but you are easily amongst the most digitally savvy and globally connected young people in the world today. You will transform the industry. You will transform this country. Botswana ought to be proud of you,” he said.