Moeng commemorates 70 years
Ryder Gabathuse | Friday June 14, 2019 13:33
Situated in the valley of Moeng, and surrounded by the Tswapong hills, the school that opened its doors to students in 1949 has for many years been known for its serenity away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities.
Historian and Ministry of Basic Education (MoBE) turn around strategy coordinator, Tshwarelo Hosia, an alumnus of Moeng College says the choice of the school’s location had to do with seeking an environment free from external influence, conducive for teaching and learning. The area, with its perennial valley, Hosia reminisces “was good for supporting a diverse and rich curriculum catering for academic pursuits and farming activities”. He posits that the school was designed to be a self-supporting institution where students would learn theory in the classroom while being exposed to the world of production outside the classroom.
Moeng College was opened during the colonial period when opportunities for secondary school were limited. Hosia says the college brought education right on the doorstep of tribes like Batswapong living in the vicinity of the college.
“The college enhanced access to secondary education as it saved the communities the trouble and expenses of sending their children for education to distant and unfamiliar places,” he observed and added that the college somewhat cheapened the costs of education for local communities.
Across the generations, Moeng College will forever be remembered for producing well-rounded students.
Former president Festus Mogae, former cabinet minister and property mogul, David Magang of Phakalane fame, the late former minister of finance, Baledzi Gaolathe and Debswana’s former managing director, the late Louis Nchindo amongst others are some of the finest students to have graduated from Moeng College.
Another generation of former students that has accomplished a lot is the group that included Dr Japhter Masunge, Dr Roy Ontiretse, Dr Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, Dr Boipuso Nkwae and many others. This group was followed by the likes of Dr Sebusang Sebusang and others. Assistant minister Master Goya is also an alumnus of Moeng College.
From other groups, high achievers included Professor Tachilisa Balule, Justice Michael Leburu, long time bankers Pele Moleta and Chepete Chepete including University of Botswana economist, Gaothobogwe Motlaleng amongst others. Moeng College has also produced some of the notable newsmen including Russ Molosiwa, Squander Baitshephi, Thomas Nkhoma, Kagiso Sekokonyane and Monkagedi Gaothobogwe amongst others. Dr Howard Sigwele, former student at Moeng College and the spokesperson for the committee preparing for the 70th anniversary explained this week that whilst the big day is pencilled in for September 6, it will be preceded by a fundraising dinner that is targeting 500 people to attend and raising about P250,000. Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo will be the guest speaker. The theme of the commemoration will be derived from the reality that basically, the stakeholder participation is a key to awakening the sleeping giant.
Explaining the theme, Sigwele highlighted that Moeng College is a sleeping giant and for it to be awakened, it requires stakeholder participation. In addition to the dinner where the alumni and other stakeholders will fundraise for the commemoration, Sigwele indicated that they are also approaching the corporate world to come to their rescue. He encouraged stakeholders to make P200 contributions to the 70th anniversary bank account held at the Palapye Stanbic Bank branch.
“Post the 70th anniversary, stakeholders will duly look at the performance of the school academically, with a view to coming up with ways geared at improving performance. We will also look at how we could contribute to the welfare of the staff,” he says.
He was, however, elated that the government has approved about P130 million towards the refurbishment of the school buildings, the reconstruction of the girls’ hostel and the expansion of the sewerage and the ponds.