SEE STORY ON PAGE 08Graduation Ceremony

January 2019AN OFFICIAL BUAN NEWSLETTER

Farewell Christmas Party1107 BUAN attends Pilikwe Primary School reception class graduation ceremony06 Boitumelo Primary

School Prize Giving

As we reach the end of 2018, I would like to wish you all, a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Indeed 2018 has been a complex year for all of us and as we reflect, the only prudent solution, is to remedy our mistakes and gear up for a positive change.

We lost some colleagues during the transformation phase and also gained some in the process. Change is a part of life and we have to embrace it and not fight it. Let us make the best of the upcoming year and drive BUAN to its greatest heights!

O. Moreri

Editor’s Note

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It has been a very busy year here at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural resources (BUAN). I am impressed by the commitment and dedication shown by both staff and students throughout 2018.

Despite the challenges we experienced and successes we attained, we should continue to serve this Institution in good faith. Transformation has indeed seen us through, the making of certain choices, some good and some not so pleasing to make. But of course we had to set aside our emotions and had to deliver on the processes required by transformation. It is sad to say we lost some dear friends and colleagues as well as mourned those who passed on during the year. On the brighter side, we celebrated our very first graduation ceremony in our Sebele campus on October 6th 2018. This was the first dis-joined ceremony. Through our transitional arrangements, the University of Botswana continued to give us support in building our structures and we are most grateful as BUAN.

The transformation phase is not yet complete, but can safely attest to the fact that, the most critical stage of transformation has been addressed and I must confess

ABOUT HERShe was a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of 2, blessed with a grandson and a granddaughter. She started primary education at Simon Ratshosa School, Serowe in 1964 at the age of six. In those days school started with Sub-A, Sub-B, Standard III to Standard VII. From Simon Ratshosa School she went to Lobatse Secondary School where she completed her Junior Certificate (JC) in 1974. Although she had desired to proceed to Form IV it was not easy at that time to get admission with a Junior Certificate of a third class pass, hence she decided to persue a typing course .

She began her typing course in 1975 at the Botswana Training Centre which was then transformed to Botswana Institute of Administration & Commerce (BIAC). Upon completion, she was appointed Copy Typist, under the Ministry of Local Government & Lands in April 1976 and was posted as a District Administrator in Ghanzi. At that time she was still very young, at the age of 18 years. In 1989 she progressed to the be Senior Typist and eventually to a higher level of Personal Secretary.

Christmas Message By VC

A Tribute to Ms Sylvia Sengwe Moatlhodi

it was the hardest phase. We are celebrate our veterans, who have served BUAN diligently for the past years and have contributed tremendously to it growth and development at various levels.

Although we will not be with them in the year 2019, they shall remain in our hearts and will not be forgotten.

I recognise that through this process, we journeyed through uncertainty and had to face change head on. Let us take this this opportunity to reflect back with pride on the past and look forward with confidence.

In that regard, I wish you all a very peaceful, pleasant and relaxed holiday Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New year to you all!

Names: Sylvia Sengwe MoatlhodiOccupation: Personal AssistantMarital Status: SingleDate of Birth: 27 October 1957Place of Birth: SeroweHobbies: Cooking and readingFavourite Dish:Bogobe ja lerotse, samp (plain) and seswaa

Gone to soon…but will never be forgotten. She was a pillar, she was like a great Mowana tree, where everyone found refuge. Get to know her well………..

She was later transferred to Gaborone in 1989 on promotion to the Ministry of Education as Personal Assistant to the Director of Technical Education until 1996, when she then joined BUAN, as (Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA). She began as a Personal Secretary/Personal Assistant in the Human Resource (HR) Department.

In October 1996. She worked meticulously with several departments here at BUAN, she serviced the Department of Basic Sciences, Agricultural Engineering & Land Planning (AEL), HR, and Engineering Services.

In 2013 she was re-deployed to the Principal’s office, for the PA’s position had become vacant immediately after the former PA in that office retired. It is during this time that as the Communications and Marketing department, was privileged to work closely with her. She was a mother, a friend and a great inspiration to us all and we will forever be grateful for her presence and input in our career development paths.

May her soul rest in peace!!!

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In pursuing of the corporate social responsibility initiatives and as a parent institution, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) attended Pilikwe Primary School reception class graduation on the 8th November 2019. The day was graced by BUAN, FNBB and Devre Transport who according to the speakers indicated that they take part in ensuring that Pilikwe scholars receive help.

Speaking at the ceremony was Dr Oagile who was once a student at Pilikwe Primary. Dr Oagile held his head high and proudly spoke of Pilikwe School as a learning centre that he looks back at and reflects well on as that’s where his foundation of schooling started. In his words of encouragement he mentioned that success is a result of hard work.

In welcoming the guests, Pilikwe Primary School head did not hide her intensions of transforming the school into an English medium school but rather pleaded with parents present on the day to help her staff to achieve their object.

The event was a success, in that regard we wish to congratulated the school head, staff, students and parents for a job well done. The students were confident and spoke meticulously. It is a great honour for BUAN to be a parent institution to Pilikwe Primary School

School prize giving ceremonies are often held to celebrate the success of both the students and teachers. It is most rewarding for teachers to witness the fruits of their hard earned labour, which is moulding these young minds into future leaders. For the students, much as it is an achievement for oneself, it also creates a competitive urge amongst themselves, to always aim to do better next time.

In the ancient times, Greeks, such Socrates and Aristotle, for example, identified learning as the ultimate pursuit of a virtuous and happy person, therefore it should be encouraged and celebrated.

Seemly so Boitumelo Primary teachers, parents, BUAN staff representatives, Sebele Council, the Director of Education and Honourable Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, gathered in celebration on the 12th of October 2018, to award their deserving students, prizes, as well as celebrate their 100% PSLE pass rate for the class of 2018.

It is always a privilege and honour to be a parent to a brilliant student, who regularly aims high in making their parent proud. It is in this regard that Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), is proud of this achievement, because Boitumelo Primary School as our adopted child, have outdone themselves, in ensuring our pride. We are most privileged to be associated with such great success and hope that the achievement of these future leaders, has enacted a competitive urge for those remaining behind, to confidently and proudly shout out “I studied at Boitumelo Primary School”.

BUAN attends Pilikwe Primary School reception class graduation ceremony

Dr. Oagile

Boitumelo Primary Polka Dance Group

Pre School Graduates

Local Artists

Ms. Mhaladi - Principal

Boitumelo Primary School Prize Giving

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Inaugural CeremonyClass of 2018

THEME: Inspiring future vibrant leaders in Agriculture & Natural Resources.

International Delegates attended CeremonyDebswana Managing Director Mr Albert Milton.

BUAN Choir

BUAN Procession Staff

Acting Vice Chancelor Prof Khumoetsile Mmolawa

His Honour The Former President & Chancelor of BUAN, Lt General Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

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On the 20th December 2018 BUAN hosted its annual awards ceremony and Christmas party at its Glen Valley ponds. The year 2018 was a challenging year for the University, as transformation was in full force. Through these challenges BUAN employees were able to stand firm on their ground and worked very hard to ensure efficiency in. Despite the fact that some employees had exited the system, management found it prudent to go ahead and host the awards ceremony in appreciation of those colleagues who had served the institution in length. Some of our colleagues received certificates for having served for 50 years.

Dr Mosupi, the Director of the Department of Research at Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, who is also a member of the University council, honoured the occasion as the key note speaker of the day. He congratulated all those who were awarded on the day and encouraged all staff members to continue serving the University with due diligence.

After the awardees received their awards, the guests unwound, danced, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. They were served food and drinks. Guests were entertained by Charma Gal, who gave a beautiful solo performance of five of her most popular songs which include the most loved Mmokolodi. In addition the performances, we had our very own talented poet Mr Paledi, who soothed souls with splendid words of poetry.

All guests were invited to join staff and our community partners for photographs and engaged in all other formalities of the evening.

Though there were a few avoidable and other inevitable challenges like every other event, the party was a success. Management would like to show its gratitude to the out-going Christmas party organising committee, who have held fort for 3 years.

The Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI), is an old institution that was established in 1984 through an agreement between Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations (UN) with funding from the government of Denmark and the Botswana Government. The Institute was established as a Regional Training Centre for Meat Inspectors and Meat Technologists in Africa. This is one of the few Institutions of its kind on the African continent. The Centre has from 1984 pro duced 1500 graduate participants from 41 African countries. In 1991, the FAO handed over the running of the Training Institute to the Government of Botswana and managed by the Department of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture. The Institution was re-named Meat Inspection Training Centre (MITC). In order to enhance the academic profile of the Institute so as to meet the demands of its main stakeholders, the Institute was taken over by Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) now known as BUAN on the 1st April 2012 through a Presidential Directive.

Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI), Lobatse campus of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) hosted a stakeholder consultative workshop to review and align the current Certificate in Meat Inspection programme to suite the industry needs. Key stakeholder in the meat industry, were invited to participate at this consultative workshop, held at Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre, Gaborone.

As part of the on-going transformation, a ground breaking ceremony for a 100 seater classroom with a conference room, was held on Friday 7th December 2018, at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) -Meat Industry Training Institute (MITI) campus in Lobatse.

Meat Industry Training Institute Stakeholders Consultative Workshop

Ground Breaking Ceremony For a 100 Seater Classroom and Conference Room Facility

Meat Industry Training Institute (Miti)

The objective of such a project, is to enhance capacity and meet industry demands. MITI is designed to provide training courses for Technicians of developing countries who, upon completion of their training, they should be able to adopt improved methods of Meat Inspection and Meat Technology.

2018 Awards Ceremony & Christmas Party

Project Manager, Mr BoipusoMatlhogonolo.(DEWITT CONSULTING)

Stakeholders workshop participants

Acting Vice Chancellor Professor KT Mmolawa breaking the ground.

MC - Ms E. Kobitumbo

MC - Mr B. Butale

Santa Dances

BUAN Staff enjoying the ceremony.

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Women empowerment has become a significant topic of discussion. It is a process in which women expand and recreate what it is that they can be, do and accomplish in a circumstance that it was believed that it is almost impossible for them to do so. Therefore as women we need to stand up for ourselves and make things happen. Regardless of how equipped we may be, how educated we are and how much support we are given, if we (women) are not willing to act, then all the efforts made are in vain. Bear in mind that it is not about who you are, who you know or where you are coming from. What matters is standing up and do what is believed that you cannot do.

In my tittle I mentioned the word fear of failure. Which is a mental state and character in which a person lacks energy, willpower and desire to perform a task due to lack of believing in oneself. Some women do not believe in themselves, they lack courage of trying because they fear that outcomes might be negative. They usually wait for someone to justify them and make them feel

Existance of women is base of beautiful life, but why are we letting fear of failure destroy such wonderful creation?

good about themselves that is when they would have little confidence of believing that they are able. Another causes are lack of inspiration, motivation, negative mindsets and procrastination. Women should know that this is the time to get started in order to defeat fear. It all starts by changing mindsets and character then the rest shall follow.

As women we need to understand the importance of being patient and starting small. There is a need to emphasize that life is in stages. All successful women out there started small then slowly but surely they got where they are today. That is why there is a saying which goes like ‘’a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’’ As women the first step we need to take is for us to believe in ourselves and then shake fear off! Who said we need men to provide, protect, lead and justify us in everything? It not wrong for them to do so actually it is a good thing to do. The problem is when we become parasites, thus depending on them for everything. Every women has a potential of becoming successful in life. We just need to act and have courage and face the real world regardless of challenges. I believe that every women is born to be great in life. Sadly only a few achieve greatness due to fear of failure. Failure is part and parcel of being successful, you need to fail and mess up things! It’s the package of learning. Let us stop justifying why things cannot be done, let us stop looking down upon ourselves, and let us not wait for someone to approve us before we take action.

Women let us stop being our own enemies by mocking and making those who are trying feel bad about themselves. We have to stand together and be united. Young lady do not be demoralised by negative comments out there “o ithaa a re o dirang ene ba bangwe ba paletswe?” (What does she thinks she is doing whereas others have failed?) First of all you are not “others.” Appreciate the fact that we are different and so our life plans and destinies. Therefore never

be ashamed of grabbing any opportunity coming your way. No matter how small it is, you will be surprised one day reaching levels because of it. There is nothing wrong about selling in the streets, there is nothing wrong about picking litter, there is nothing wrong about venturing into agriculture and cultivate land. Who said ladies can not be pastoral farmers? Yes it is a “dirty” field as they say. Little do they know that we’re there is dirty there is a lot of opportunities awaiting. Beware! Check! Question! Analyse! Conclude by Cleaning your surroundings. That’s is let go of those who are contributing to your downfall. Remember that the people in your life can either increase you, decrease you or simple add no value. Therefore be bold and let go of the last two. You do not need such negativity in your life. Be true to yourself and never fear that they will hate you. This will help you to create a space for positivity in your life. People who will add value and help build you to be and investment. People who will not put you under unnecessary pressure rather they will help you realise that life is in stages, you start small and gradually increase. Ladies these are the people that we need to surround ourselves with. And above all we need to stand in prayer. Without the creator, we can not make it, let us make prayer be our everyday weapon.

The time is now! If we do not act and encourage each other who will do it for us? Surely it is no one, everybody is busy building their own territories, empires and legacies. Remember it is always seem impossible until it’s done (N. Mandela). Women we are special, we are capable, and we can! Therefore let us be challenged.

This is the time for “ACTION’’

SLOGAN: OUR LIFE, OUR PRIDE OUR RESPONSIBILITY!COMPLIED BY: BLESSING ALBERTDATE: 12-04-18

When you get knocked down, get back upSometimes in life, you get knocked down by something you do not expect, despite all your advance planning and hard work.it can be heart breaking. Sometimes you can train for years and even decades for that big day, then didn’t even get a chance to compete and lose. They had to watch from the side-lines even worse. In life when things like this happen can be heart wrenching.The choice of what you do next is what ultimately determine your destiny whether in school, in sport or wherever you are or do in life. Sometimes it’s entirely out of your control, like an illness or injury, drought or earthquake or even a war. Other times, it’s you and you alone who made a wrong judgment call.

Never let yourself to defeated .le fa go ka na thata yang,lefa fela……

If you want the thrill of victory, you have to be prepared to bounce back from the agony of defeat, time and again. Things will turn out like you planned, and things will definitely go wrong from time to time. You may lose for a short while or even for a long while. The main difference between most of the greatest characters in history and everyone else? The choice you made after you got knocked.

By; Emmanuel Moeng

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NOV

CENTRE FOR IN-SERVICE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING COURSE SCHEDULE 2019

WK FEB MAR JUN APR MAY JUL AUG SEP OCTCOURSE TITLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION/MAN

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1

1

11

1

1

111

1

111

1

11

11

11

1

1

1

11

11

111

1

1

1

12

Pig productionSustainable Dry season feedingHow to establish a dairy production unitSheep and Goats Production/Small Stock

AGEMENT & FEEDING

Fodder Production*Dairy goat production

AGRI BUSINESSBusiness proposal Farm records and AccountsMarketing of Agricultural productsExtension TechniquesCROP PRODUCTION& HORTICULTURENursery seedling and tree productionVegetable ProductionAgro Chemicals managementIntroduction to Fruit ProductionChainsaw operation and managementLandscapingDiagnosis and Management of

Vegetable Pests and diseaseDesigning with indoor plants and ManagementFlower Arrangement*Mushroom ProductionLawn establishment & management

Citrus ProductionBeekeeping

SOIL,WATER & MACHINERYBorehole Sitting,drilling,Equipment and MaintenanceIrrigation with Treated Waste WaterSoil and Rain water management in AgricultureIntroduction to Irrigation Management and schedulingGIS Applications in Agriculture,Natural

Resources and EIAAdvanced Irrigation Management and SchedulingImplementation of Irrigation ProjectsDesign of Irrigation SystemsTractor Maintenance Generation of Energy using Livestock WasteINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY& RESEARCH METHODSPractical Application and Interpretation of SPSSData Analysis using SAS and SPSSEpidemiology of infectious diseases:Qualitative and quantitative methods

07 - 1108 - 12

05 - 09

05 - 091

1

Indigenous chicken and Guinea 17 - 21

1Beef Production management systems 09 - 13

09 - 13

02 - 06

12 - 16

12 - 16

26 - 30

16 - 20

02 - 06

09 - 13

1Fish Farming and Management 01 - 05

08 - 12

21 - 25

08 - 12

1Rabbit Production and Management 20 - 24

20 - 24

20 - 24

26 - 30

16 - 20

07 - 11

08 - 12

08 - 12

08 - 12

21 - 2521 - 25

07 - 11

07 - 11

07 - 11

14 - 18

18 - 22

18 - 22

14 - 18

22 - 26

22 - 26

24 - 28

17 - 21

17 - 21

11 - 22

28 - 01

Course Fees:Agro-chemicals - P4080.00 per person without AccommodationOTHER COURSESP2030.00 per week without accomodationP3555.0 per week with accomodation (Standard sharing)

P3855.0 per week with accomodation (Executive sharing)

P4655.0 per week with accomodation (Executive single)

P4055.0 per week with accomodation (Standard single)

*Fodder and flower Arrangement courses have an extra standard fee of P500

Registration Forms may be collected from BUAN at CICE or may be downloaded atwww.buan.bwContact: Tel: 3650 398/397/132/364/396/399/364/390Fax:3927 202

Email : bmorapedi@buan.ac.bw OR bnotice@buan.ac.bw

Livestock Health (Diseases and Vaccination)

21-01

18 - 22

11-15

13-2412-16

19-23

fowl production

Broiler Chicken Production

Layer Chicken Production 16-20

+267 365 0 100 www.buan.ac.bw info@buan.bw @BUANbw BUANbw@

NB:Fees are subject to change in April 2019

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Transformation Updates

The implementation of the new organizational structure falls within Phase 2 (Expansion) of the BUAN Transformation Plan. The rollout of the structure is guided by three documents which were approved by the University Council following negotiations between Management and the Staff Union, i.e, Conversion rules, Early Exit Policy, and the Memorandum of Agreement between Management and the Union.

The assessment of Voluntary Exit applications was carried out by the Early Exit Assessment Committee as provided for in the policy. The outcome of the assessment was communicated to the applicants by 28th September 2018. The 46 employees exited on the 5th and 9th of October 2018 in line with the handover periods provided in the Memorandum of Agreement.

Rationalization of Academic Staff into different faculties and departments as per Conversion Rules was done and staff received their individual notification letters starting on the 28th September 2018. The effective date of assumption of new positions and remuneration was set at 1st June 2018, which is the date of commencement as approved by the University Council.

Redeployment of Operational Staff into positions in the new structure followed the Voluntary Early Exit. The redeployment was carried out in line with the Conversion Rules. The assessment followed the three principles of (i) Redeployment of those who have requisite qualifications, competencies and experience, (ii) Retooling of those who marginally lack requisite qualifications and competencies and (iii) Retrench (Involuntary Exit) those who could not find placement because of lack of requisite qualifications, experience, or where there are no vacancies at the appropriate level. This exercise is ongoing and communication on the outcome and letters to individual staff members was done from 23rd November, 2018.

The substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs and Research has been appointed and assumed office on the 1st January, 2019. The Directors for Human Resource and for Finance also assumed duty on the 9th and 15th January 2019, respectively. Ten Managers positions were also filled with internal candidates. Recruitment for the remaining 5 Director and 13 Manager positions is ongoing.The physical development projects are also at an advanced stage of implementation.

On the whole, the project is going on well with a few challenges such as missed timelines.

Dr M. Tapela (Transformation Coordinator)

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Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesPrivate Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana T: +267 3650100 F: +267 3928753 www.buan.ac.bw

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

@BUANbw info@buan.ac.bw