Botho University hosted a two-day Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) Pitso for 2021 in collaboration with Human Resource Development Council. The event was officiated by Honourable Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe in the presence of Honourable Mpho Balopi, Minister of Employment, Labour, Productivity and Skills Development.

This year’s theme was “Transforming TVET For The 4IR” (4th Industrial Revolution), which focuses on new technologies, advances and innovations that have emerged as a result of the fourth Industrial revolution. The main aim was to find ways on how Botswana can transform the TVET sector to be ready for the 4IR in order to meet new market demands.
Representing the Education sector under Business Botswana, Mr. Golekanye Setume highlighted the need to have TVET as a key player in these transformational drives. Emphasizing the point, he said “An extensive array of jobs associated with the development of Industry 4.0 are covered in many TVET programs. For instance, the Internet of things involves a network of components that require individuals with expert knowledge in systems, machines, software and hardware.”

In his appreciation speech, talking about the role of UNESCO/UNEVOC as the International centre for TVET, Honourable Mpho Balopi indicated that with the involvement of UNESCO, the transformation of the TVET sector will be achieved. He further mentioned that Botswana aligns to the UNEVOC strategy as an emerging economy, through the national agenda such as the recent President RESET agenda which prioritizes Skills Development and Youth Employment.

Recommendations from the TVET Pitso were:

• Inclusion of TVET Funding under DTEF (Amendment of the funding Act),
• Enhancing governance and coordination of TVET funding and partnerships through institute/industry engagement, among others.

It was an insightful event which attracted various stakeholders and dignitaries, adhering to all Covid protocols.