UBOfficial UniversityNEWS of Newsletter www.ub.bw September 2018 MEDICAL SCHOOL CELEBRATES 79 YOUNG DOCTORS

he School of country as well as to be kind, respectful and respect and to honour work and the profession’s TMedicine celebrated the 5th cohort of 79 caring to their clients. ethics. young doctors who graduated with Bachelor Professor Sebudubudu also advised them Ms Maphorisa said their contribution was Degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) with to always abide by their professional ethical very essential in assisting government and a dinner at the Phakalane Golf Estate Resort in code of conduct and to be part of the solutions the ministry to be more progressive. She also August. instead of the problem. In addition, he urged advised the young doctors to be cautious when Speaking at the Inaugural Convocation them to take their internship training seriously dealing with clients because some of them may Dinner for the Class of 2018, Dean of the Faculty and to face challenges in their profession head not necessarily present clinical deficiencies but of Medicine, Dr Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, said of on. social issues that needed to be referred to other the number, 69 graduated from the University “Make use of the internship training professionals. of Botswana while the rest were from abroad. opportunity and invest in your curriculum The Permanent Secretary also advised the Dr Nkomazana said the young doctors would vitae,” said Professor David Sebudubudu. graduates to be part of team work and study go for internship in public hospitals. Since its He also urged the graduates to further the environment where they would be engaged inception in 2009, the Medical School has so their studies at the University of Botswana as well as to be vigilant with their mental far graduated 200 doctors and most of them Medical School because the University was well health to avoid conditions such as depression. practise in public hospitals. endowed with resource and expertise. She also advised the graduates to keep fit and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of to have a sound mind and stress free life. Academic Affairs, Professor David Sebudubudu, Health and Wellness, Ms Ruth Maphorisa, also encouraged the graduates to work hard for the advised the graduates to treat their client, with

Some of the young doctors at the inaugural convocation dinner.

INSIDE:

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN PERSISTS GLOBALLY, 2 RESEARCHERS SEEK NEW WAYS OF MANAGING ELEPHANTS 8 HAMPERS DEVELOPMENT

3 ENHANCING ENGINEERING PROGRAMME ENDS WITH HIGH 9 UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND HONOURS PROF DUBE AS 2018 HOPES INTERNATIONAL ALUMNA OF THE YEAR 5 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON EAGER TO AID UB 10 THIRTY-SEVEN YEAR good SERVICE EARNs MATLAPENG TRANSFORMATION TWO AWARDS STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT

RESEARCHERS SEEK NEW WAYS OF MANAGING ELEPHANTS

of wildlife especially elephants in the area. The theme of the workshop was: Creating Sustainable Community Partnerships. The workshop was a sequel to a study carried out on the dynamics of human and wildlife interactions in the Mmadinare area. The University of Botswana in partnership with SFA Network ran a trial research to explore possible ways to sustain development through wildlife management. Therefore, the aim of the workshop was to share the results with all stakeholders in government, non-governmental organisations, private and parastatal organisations to ensure the Mmadinare community, and many other SAF Network representative from the University of Glasgow, Major Tiroyamodimo. similar communities benefitted from the Scotland. elephant populations in their areas. As was the case with the research, the he University of Botswana under the collectively across global contexts, disciplines workshop created a space whereby many auspices of its Department of Adult and with communities in advancing the goal T perspectives were heard, and knowledge Education last month led an interdisciplinary of ethically and successfully supporting shared. Thus, during the workshop the team of researchers from the Sustainable development and sustainability in contexts community aired its voice alongside political Futures in Africa (SFA) Network to a workshop negatively affected by the consequences of and economic perspective and ecological on human-wildlife interactions at the colonialism, globalization and climate change. findings of the project to date. It was designed Mmadinare Main Kgotla. Consequently, the Mmadinare workshop in an informative and transformative way. SFA Network is a collective of researchers, brought together different stakeholders to map During discussions, the residents decried educators and practitioners who work the way forward in relation to the management the conflict elephants caused and the dangers

ORI TACKLES HUMAN- he Okavango Research Institute (ORI) has hence the need for amicable solutions,” he said. Tlaunched a project dubbed ‘Promoting Head of the project, Dr Richard Fyn, said WILDLIFE CONFLICT Sustainable Livelihood (ProSuLi) in Transfrontier the four villages experienced a lot of conflict, Conservation areas’ to address human-wildlife especially elephants raiding crops and cattle conflict through research. killed by wildlife. He noted that some farmers ORI Director, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa, had resorted to using poison to kill lions. Such said the three-year project was funded by the also affected vultures who fed on poisoned European Union at the tune of P2.5 million.He carcasses. was speaking at the unveiling of the project Dr Fyn explained that the project was and a new vehicle to be used for the project in intended to help affected communities find Maun last month. solutions and improve their livelihoods. He said The project area of scope, he said, was the one way was through stakeholder meetings in as communities around the affected communities. Furthermore, he said the area experienced extensive human wildlife fusion of old and modern practices in cattle conflicts. He said incidents of elephants raiding herding may be a solution. crops and predation on livestock heightened Dr Fyn added that full time professional conflict. herders trained on ecology and herding may The four communities selected for the also be a solution. Another feasible solution, project Seronga, Eretsha, Beetsha and he said, was assisting communities to find Gunotsoga. Professor Mbaiwa noted that markets for their cattle and mobile abattoirs the project would help with data on how to to ensure cattle were slaughtered in their areas address human-wildlife conflict. “The whole under strict regulations. idea is to have sustainable development which will benefit communities now and in future

Professor Joseph Mbaiwa.

2 | UB Newsletter: September 2018 communities and industry for shared solutions in dealing with a myriad of challenges that the country faced. Professor Sebudubudu said knowledge and science had no boundaries, noting that UB believed communities must own solutions instead of imposing such on them. He advised the Mmadinare community to use the elephants for economic benefit instead of wantonly killing them. SFA Network representative, Professor Daniel Haydon, also underscored the importance of communities owning methodologies and the need to diversify stakeholders in addressing challenges. Professor Haydon also highlighted Mmadinare local authorities listen attentively to the proceedings. the lack of research methods that were all they posed to people. They called for different suggestion that government should set up inclusive hence the challenge of bringing such ways to mitigate the situation and to achieve a an educational park where residents could differences together. harmonious co-existence between the jumbos learn about various subjects on elephants to Meanwhile, other dignitaries who and people. Botswana has an estimated promote co-existence between the elephants attended the workshop included Director population of 130 000 elephants and people and people. of the Department of Wildlife and National in areas such as Mmadinare have to constantly Job creation could also be enhanced Parks, Major General Otisitswe Tiroyamodimo, deal with property damages and human injury. through means such as hiring of escort guides, World Health Organisation representative in To mitigate the situation, some residents establishment of game reserves and wildlife Botswana, Dr. Martins Ovberedjo, Nigerian suggested culling to control the numbers camps to help control and monitor movement High Commissioner, Mr Moses Adeoye, and which they complained were way too high for of the jumbos. other captains of industry. the area, while others called for the setting In his keynote address, Acting Deputy Vice up of an elephant abattoir in Selebi Phikwe as Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor a way of revitalizing the economic fortunes David Sebudubudu, reiterated UB’s quest to of the mining town. In addition, there was a create partnerships and collaborations with

ENHANCING ENGINEERING EDUCATION PROGRAMME ENDS WITH HIGH HOPES

The Botswana team from the EEEP Symposium on a guided tour of Kazungula bridge.

elegates to the joint symposium marking of having achieved what they set out to do of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Dthe end of a two-year programme aimed when the programme kicked off in October Technology Development, Professor Amon at enhancing the standard of engineering 2016. Murirwa, who delivered a keynote address. education in southern Africa left Victoria Falls, Among the dignitaries who attended the on August 30, 2018 with high hopes two-day symposium was the Zimbabwe Minister continues to page 4

UB Newsletter: September 2018 | 3 STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT

UNIVERSITY REQUIRES THOUGHT, ACTION – ZIM MINISTER university is a place where people think of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), A university is a place where people think A and do things and not where they look Botswana International University of Science and do things and not where they look nice and use big words to appear educated, and Technology (BUIST), National University nice and use big words to appear educated, says Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and of Science and Technology (NUST-), says Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology University of (formerly Swaziland) Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murirwa. and National University of (NUL). Development, Professor Amon Murirwa. Professor Murirwa was delivering a keynote Zimbabwe’s National University of Science Professor Murirwa was delivering a keynote address at a joint symposium which marked and Technology who were the host of the address at a joint symposium which marked the end of a two-year programme aimed symposium also participated as well as the end of a two-year programme aimed at enhancing the standard of engineering University of Manchester and Stracylde at enhancing the standard of engineering education in southern Africa in Victoria Falls University in the UK. education in southern Africa in Victoria Falls on August 30, 2018. Professor Murirwa observed that on August 30, 2018. The project known as the Enhancing universities must create possibilities where The project known as the Enhancing Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) that which was thought could be done and Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) was sponsored by the British Royal Academy translated into tangible products and services. was sponsored by the British Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) to the tune of 140 000 He said academics must cultivate an inspiring of Engineering (RAE) to the tune of 140 000 Pounds (P1 964 807) for two years with the environment for nurturing learners through Pounds (P1 964 807) for two years with the desire to improve the standard of engineering work-based learning. desire to improve the standard of engineering education at the University of Botswana and “If you are a professor and you cannot education at the University of Botswana and regionally. produce a student who can think better than regionally. About 12 universities in the region were you, then you must resign,” reckoned the Professor Amon Murirwa. involved, among them, University of Botswana minister who said professors were more of and its spoke institutions: Botswana University mentors than just experts. He added that the

and Technology, National University of Science University of Botswana, Professor Sebudubudu and Technology (Namibia), University of enumerated a number of achievements of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) and National the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in University of Lesotho. working with communities across the country The project known as the Enhancing and helping them with professional expertise. Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) He said the Faculty has helped a women’s was sponsored by the British Royal Academy group in Gabane to process Morula colloid for of Engineering (RAE) to the tune of 140 000 confectionary while the design team helped Pounds (P1 964 807) for two years. brand the products and packaged them for Professor Sebudubudu said at the core better market access. In addition, the Faculty of the project was a desire to improve the worked with communities in Mokolodi standard of engineering education at the installing a solar power generation station, University of Botswana and regionally through besides designing and building a heavy-duty oil the achievement of four specific objectives. expressing machine (oil press) for community The objectives were to forge successful groups and small businesses across the country. partnerships between industry and academic On the other hand, Professor Murirwa institutions nationally and regionally through challenged engineers in Africa that instead knowledge sharing; securing industry of importing ideas, they should be more attachment for teaching staff to facilitate skills innovative in coming up with researches tailor- Professor Benjamin Bolaane. acquisition; establishing and strengthening made to solve problems in the continent. “You departmental advisory boards to impact are always saying according to, what did you Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic industry relevant degrees, and engaging do yourself?” asked the Minister. Affairs, Professor David Sebudubudu, led a high- industry professionals in providing guest Professor Murirwa further lamented that powered delegation from Botswana comprising lecturers, seminars, professional development in numerous universities across Africa the the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and workshops and inspiring students through emphasis was on learning languages especially Technology, Professor Benjamin Bolaane and practical insights into the workplace. English more than concepts due to an education representatives from University of Botswana Professor Sebudubudu said the project could system that made language more prime than spoke institutions. only achieve its objectives through a very close ideas. Further, he spoke against universities and The representatives were from Botswana partnership with industry and government as industry remaining compartments, saying the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, well as working with similar institutions in the two must work hand in hand to bridge the gap Botswana International University of Science SADC region. Highlighting the mandate of the between them.

4 | UB Newsletter: September 2018 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 21st Century demanded an advancement in technology for Africa hence it was crucial for MADISON EAGER TO AID UB universities to set up innovation hubs that could translate good ideas into prototypes that TRANSFORMATION would then be transferred to industrial hubs for production of products. delegation from the University of includes a programme through which we will However, Professor Murirwa decried the Wisconsin Madison in the United State send 15 students to Botswana next summer,” low level of research in the southern African A of America paid University of Botswana Vice said Mr Schulfer. region. “We cannot afford to have universities Chancellor, Professor David Norris, a courtesy With regard to research promotion, Mr where people just teach and talk endlessly. We call on August 28, 2018 to explore opportunities Schulfer pointed out that UW’s research have to reconfigure our education system so for collaboration and cooperation on research, budgets was one of the top five at over US$ one that there is delivery because everything that education and training. billion per year, and largest contiguous campus we can think of, can be done,” said Professor The team comprised head of delegation, in the US. He further stated that they hosted Moruriwa. Mr Nathan Schulfer, Professor Tim Van a programme, the King-Morgridge Scholarship, The problem, he observed, was that people’s Deelen, Dr.Tery Allendorf (Forest and Wildlife which brought six new exceptional students minds were more often preoccupied with Ecology), Professor Rick Keller, Mr Tony from developing countries to the campus each finding problems than coming up with solutions. Carol (International Division), Professor Don year. The students receive a fully funded four- Besides, lack of confidence compounded the Waller (Botany Department) and Ms Justyn year scholarship, including a budget for travel, situation, he said. Nonetheless, he expressed Huckleberry (doctoral student). computer expenses, and winter clothing. hope that knowledge gained and collaborations Speaking at the meeting, Mr Schulfer said “We house seven federally funded National forged through EEEP would help alleviate the as the University of Wisconsin Madison, they Resource Centres which foster study of every situation. were eager to transfer their experiences to region in the world in our Institute for Regional Dr Keith Carter, RAE representative, urged UB and harvest its full potential in a way that and International Studies, including the largest universities to hire what he called suitably would benefit Batswana, the southern African and oldest African Studies programme in the qualified and experienced staff. Otherwise, region and ultimately the world. United States if not the world. And we house he added, they should put in place career an International Projects Office, which fosters development plans to equip each individual “UW has long been a global university collaboration with governments, universities, staff member with relevant academic with enrolment of over 6 500 international and institutions around the world,” said Mr qualifications. To augment such, Dr Carter students every year. We send 2000 students Schulfer. said universities must also get involved in for programmes in other countries every year, In response, Professor Norris said it was government infrastructural projects to bridge with most of those students participating important for UB to foster collaborations the gap between them and industry. in semester or year-long programmes which on research with external stakeholders and He noted that universities must make it a deliver a truly immersive experience. This international universities such as Wisconsin practice and culture to develop new courses through research. Dr Keith also said student continues to page 6 projects must have a practical element in that they could be, among others, used as a resource, where possible, to upgrade of lab equipment. Meanwhile, the Botswana delegation that attended the symposium was made up of Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor David Sebudubudu, as leader of the delegation as well as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Benjamin Bolaane and representatives from University of Botswana spoke institutions.

Meanwhile, among the common problems associated with engineering education in southern Africa that the Royal Academy of Engineers representative, Dr Keith Carter, identified, were lack of engineering skills and industry involvement. It was against this Mr Nathan Schulfer, Dr. Tery Allendorf , Mr Tony Carol and Professor Rick Keller. background that the EEEP was set in motion to bridge the gap, he said. UB Newsletter: September 2018 | 5 STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT TAPS INTO UB’S ANTI-GRAFT STRATEGIES Dr. Tery Allendorf, Mr Tony Carol, Professor Rick Keller and Mr Nathan Schulfer. Delegation from Nigerian’s Presidential A Advisory Committee Against Corruption paid a courtesy call on then Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Martin Mokgwathi, on August 14, 2018, to learn first-hand efforts by the University of Botswana to combat corruption. The delegation comprised seven members among them the Chairman, Professor Itse Sagay, Executive Secretary, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Program Officer/Consultant, Kelechi Amadi, Project Accountant, Musa Alhamdu and three members, Professor Femi Professor Don Waller, Ms Justyn Huckleberry and Mr Nathan Schulfer. Odekunle, Professor Etannibi Alemika and Professor Sadiq Isa Radda. Responding to questions on the contribution from page 6 of the University of Botswana in the fight UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN AID UB against corruption, Professor Mokgwathi stated that the University was doing fairly well Madison to close research gaps and address problems bedevilling our society and come up in terms of managing corruption. societal needs and challenges. Professor with innovative ways of solving them,” said Professor Mokgwathi said UB was committed Norris also noted that collaboration between Professor Norris. to “zero tolerance” of corruption, given the the two institutions would enhance sharing In addition, Professor Norris highlighted high level of honesty and transparency in most of knowledge, skills and eventually uplift UB some challenges the university was grappling transaction across different departments and research initiatives to be impactful on the lives with in its quest to be research intensive such faculties. He also said the student admission of Batswana and southern Africa as well. as lack of research funds. Meanwhile, UB Deans system was tight and broad and the staff He also advised UW to consider partnering and Heads of Department also buttressed the strictly adhered to rules and regulations with the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, enumerating a notwithstanding occasional incidents of some which was dedicated to the study of wetland number of environmental science research who tried to beat the system. and water management in the Okavango River projects, community projects and industry “University of Botswana has a well- Basin, SADC region and beyond. collaborations that their faculties and developed set of anti-corruption laws that Professor Norris further decried the low departments were engaged in. work in harmony with one another and create level of research output at UB, saying it was At the end of the presentations, the UW a good framework to combat corruption mainly due to the University’s low economic delegation was taken on a guided tour of some crimes ranging from corrupt recruitment and development in the early years of its inception facilities at the University, among them Sir admission procedures, illegal procurement in that it was mainly focused on boosting Ketumile Masire University Hospital, Campus of goods and services. And other corruption human capital to work in government and Indoor Sports Centre, Faculty of Engineering crimes such as financial fraud, professional private sector. and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences misconduct (such as nepotism and plagiarism), “UB has grown and fully matured, it is time and UB Conference Centre. The delegation was academic fraud (such as soft marking, to intensify research work through partnering later treated to a sumptuous lunch. graduation, biased grading, falsifying academic with the best institutions such as Wisconsin records and paying for grades),” said Professor Madison to tap into their knowledge and skills Mokgwathi. and ensure that whatever we do is in line With regard to promoting access to higher with the development of the country. And it education, Professor Mokgwathi said most is part of our mandate and vision to have the students were government funded through University of Botswana leading research into loans, grants or partial grants, which were

6 | UB Newsletter: September 2018 determined by the priority of the field of study administered by Department of Student Placement and Welfare in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Sciences and Technology. Head of the Department of Business Management, Mr Rebana Mmereki, said the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) took lead in investigations, corruption prevention and public education. However, the decision whether to prosecute rested with the attorney general. Mr Mmereki also said they were conducting a research on corruption to influence policies in the fight against crime and to integrate such in their academic programmes. On the other hand, UB Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance, Mr Mendel Nlanda, said Professor Martin Mokgwathi receives a picture depicting Nigeria’s public transport system. historically, Botswana’s good governance and democracy bequeathed by previous leaders contributed towards low levels of corruption and laid the foundation for current leaders to carry along the values and the rule of Law. Mr Nlanda further stated that Botswana’s small population also contributed to low levels of corruption. Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Mr Shathiso Nlebgwa also shared the same sentiments and alluded to the fact that UB had statute provision for conflict of interest. Mr Nlebgwa said the University was implementing a policy on the protection of whistle-blowers in the fight against crime.

Professor Martin Mokgwathi having a light moment with the delegation.

Part of the delegation from Nigerian’s Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

UB Newsletter: September 2018 | 7 STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN PERSISTS GLOBALLY, HAMPERS DEVELOPMENT - MOGOENG

espite promising progress in some “Why is the most dangerous place for a woman Dcountries, social and legal discrimination her own home?” he asked. Justice Mogoeng against women remains a major obstacle further asked why society was still unequal. He to economic development in emerging and said oppression and discrimination of women developing countries around the globe, by men still prevailed while men were seen as South African Chief Justice, Justice Mogoeng superior to women. Mogoeng, has observed. “Such inequalities lead to domestic violence, Justice Mogoeng was speaking at the trafficking and exploitation,” warned Justice Nelson Mandela Centenary Lecture held at the Mogoeng. University of Botswana Conference Centre last Incidentally, Justice Mogoeng noted some Chief Justice, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. month. He anchored his lecture on Mandela’s progress in reducing discrimination against ideals of a just society quoting profusely from women in and and the world are confronted with higher rates of the global icon that overcoming poverty was attributed such to the introduction of political unemployment, fewer possibilities for a career, not a gesture of charity but an act of justice. quotas that led to a greater representation of and lower wages,” said Justice Mogoeng Justice Mogoeng decried the level of women in politics. South Africa and Germany To achieve equality and justice for all, poverty in Africa, arguing that such derived are among countries where the social and Justice Mogoeng advised leaders to investment from an unjust society which was further legal status of women improved considerably in women’s empowerment, as well as a cultural compounded by entrenched discrimination of over the past years because they introduced change in mind-sets so that women’s equality women. He said despite successes in raising landmark reforms. was a given in all societies as well as ending awareness and setting standards, very little had Nonetheless, Justice Mogoeng said poverty and ensuring a life of dignity for all. changed in the actual lives of most women. countries with higher levels of discrimination He also advised leaders to stand up and take Only a few women, he noted, had benefited against women performed poorly on a range of collective responsibility for humanity’s current from such changes. However, for the vast development indicators, including employment, failings. Justice Mogoeng encouraged leaders majority, violence against women remained a female labour force participation, education to engage communities and youth to take taboo issue, invisible in society and a shameful for girls and child and maternal mortality rates. action to end conflicts, injustice, inequality, fact of life, lamented the Chief Justice. “One important area where women corruption to ensure true inclusive democracy, Justice Mogoeng wondered why male constantly face massive inequalities is in the peace and prosperity for all through dialogue. violence against women still existed in 2018. labour market. In working life, women all over

Professor Martin Mokgwathi, SA High Commissioner, Ms Rosemary Mashaba and Chief Justice, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.

8 | UB Newsletter: September 2018 PROFESSOR MONAKA WINS UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND HONOURS PROF DUBE AS 2018 2018 CIPL AWARD INTERNATIONAL ALUMNA OF THE YEAR rofessor Kemmonye Collete Monaka in from science to social enterprise. The awards the Department of English is the winner P acknowledged outstanding alumni who have of the 2018 Endangered Languages Award. created change. She received the award at the 20th Comité “The exceptional alumni honoured this year International Permanent des Linguistes (CIPL) have driven social change through advocacy in Cape Town, South Africa, last month. and journalism, pioneered new medical The award was in recognition of her treatments, and steered game-changing linguistic and sociolinguistic research on companies and initiatives,” UQ Vice-Chancellor Shekgalagari, her mother tongue, and on other and President Professor Peter Høj is quoted in languages in Botswana, including Khoesan the University’s online contact magazine. languages. Professor Hoj said the work of the award During the 20th ICL, she gave a talk on recipients has had a profound impact both marginalised languages in the country. Together in Queensland and around the world. The UQ with other scholars in the institution and Alumni Awards will be presented at the annual worldwide, her research makes a contribution Courting the Greats ceremony on October 17, in this important area of language study. 2018. The award recipients were nominated by CIPL is a global organisation whose core their peers and selected by a committee led mandate is to coordinate activities that seek by Professor Høj. “This year’s recipients have to support and advance the development and contributed to the community not just through expansion of research in linguistic science. Professor Opha Pauline Dube. their work, but also through their generosity of It also produces a comprehensive spirit,” he said. bibliography of all linguistic publications He said they had committed extensive worldwide, irrespective of the language they niversity of Botswana Environmental resources to help society’s most vulnerable are written in. The organisation is further UChange Scientist and Associate Professor as well as to cultivate the next generation committed to research on endangered in the Department of Environmental Science, of students, researchers and advocates. languages. Professor Opha Pauline Dube, has been awarded In addition, most of them had pivoted on One of its former presidents, Stephen the 2018 International Alumnus of the Year their careers to take advantage of emerging Wurm, compiled some of the important works Award by the University of Queensland (UQ) in opportunities and trends. on language endangerment, including the Australia. “It’s something I do out of passion and out UNESCO Atlas of Endangered Languages. Since Professor Dube who has been recognised as of my own drive, and I realise when you do then, and in collaboration with UNESCO, CIPL a leader in climate change research is among these things you create an environment that has funded summer schools and provided a broad range of leaders recognised for their leads to the growth of education and hence a significant number of small awards on exemplary contributions in fields ranging language endangerment. CIPL was established in 1928 in The Hague during the first International Congress of Linguists (ICL). In liaison with local/regional committees of linguistic research that are members of the organization, CIPL has, since its formation, been organising ICL conferences in various continents of the world every five years. It held its first ever International Congress of Linguists in Africa this year.

Professor Kemmonye Collete Monaka. Professor Opha Pauline Dube with Kgosi Mosadi Seboko during a Climate Change Consultative Workshop in Ramotswa last year.

UB Newsletter: September 2018 | 9 STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT

THIRTY-SEVEN YEAR GOOD SERVICE EARNS MATLAPENG TWO AWARDS

of which was at UB where she witnessed the student community populations grow from less than 1000 in 1983 to above 17 000 in 2018. In addition, she has extensive management experience, having acted as a matron and Director of UB Health Services on numerous occasions. “Mrs Matlapeng single handedly introduced the outreach/community health programme in the University, mobilising students around various primary health care issues such as HIV/ AIDS, safe sex, alcohol and substance abuse. The programme created a lot of awareness among the student community,” says Dr Joseph Atta who has known her for over 20 years in one of the references he wrote for her. Specialist Physician-Nephrologist, Dr Gordana Cavric, describes Mrs Matlapeng as very diligent, compassionate and able to Mrs Dineo Matlapeng with Professor Sheila Tlou and a colleague as the Botswana Nurse’s Day Awards. perform multiple roles. “She has pioneered community and wellness rs Dineo Matlapeng of the University She was the only person to be honoured programmes at UB and her passion for HIV Mof Botswana Clinic has received two with two awards that day being the Nursing has driven her to organise and participate in Presidential Awards of Honour for her Meritorious Award and the Nursing Long various workshops and programmes in service distinguished service and immense contribution Service of Good Conduct Award. The two and training of nurses and students,” reckons to Botswana’s nursing profession. awards add to another - the HIV and AIDS Dr Cavric. Mrs Matlapeng received the awards at the Community Engagement Champion – which “I am truly humbled and pleased to look Botswana Nurses’ Day and Botswana Nurses she received from the University of Botswana in back at the changes and impact I have made Union (BONU) 50th Anniversary Celebrations collaboration with National AIDS Coordinating within the student community pertaining held at the UB Indoor Sports Centre under the Agency (NACA) in 2014. to health and growth of the clinic. I cannot theme: Nurses: A voice to lead-Health is a Mrs Matlapeng boasts a 37-year experience further express my gratitude to BONU for Human Right. as a nurse and health care practitioner, 34 acknowledging my contribution throughout my stay at the UB clinic,” says Mrs Matlapeng.

Professor Dube is the Founder and Chair of a focus on global environmental change in the from page 9 PROF. DUBE HONOURED the Botswana Global Environmental Change context of the Anthropocene. Committee (BGCC) at the University of She is a Co-Coordinating Lead Author in the contributing towards a knowledge economy,” Botswana that laid a foundation for building Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change Professor Dube is quoted in the UQ online capacity in climate change research. (IPCC) special report on “the impacts of global contact magazine. In her role as Vice Chair of the Botswana warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels Professor Dube is an environmental change Government National Climate Change and related global greenhouse gas emission scientist and an Associate Professor in the Committee (NCCC), Professor Dube facilitates pathways, in the context of strengthening Department of Environmental Science. She is introduction of climate change into Botswana’s the global response to the threat of climate recognised as a leader in global environmental development agenda. change, sustainable development, and efforts change including climate change research She coordinated the Southern African to eradicate poverty. internationally and completed her PhD in Fire Network (SAFnet) for seven years and Professor Dube has received many accolades Geographical Science at The University of her work on wild fires contributed to the for her research, including a Nobel Peace Prize Queensland (UQ). Botswana National Fire Strategy and led to the Certificate awarded in 2007 as part of the IPCC She served as one of the Vice Chairs of the development of a regional Southern African authorship for significant contribution to the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme Development Community (SADC) trans- scientific understanding of climate change and (IGBP) for five years where she introduced boundary fire protocol. its implications for society. the Global Environmental Change and Least Professor Dube, who is Co-Editor-in-Chief Developed Countries synthesis and capacity of environmental science journal Current building work. Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, has

10 | UB Newsletter: September 2018 Walt Disney World comes to UB on recruitment drive

Mrs Montle Siya. Disney recruitment team Ms Jill Jacobsen, Ms Katy Kreco and Ms Regina Maluta.

cores of potential students from different Montle Siya, a Disney alumnia, urged the Sparts of Africa converged on the University interviewees to make use of the Disney of Botswana Conference Centre on August 24, Internship Training programme to build upon 2018 to be quizzed for a 12-month internship skills they learnt in class within a family of at the world renowned Walt Disney Company legendary brands passionate about creating in the United States of America. world class experiences on a global scale. The interviews attracted fourth-year UB “The five to seven months training Tourism and Hospitality students in the Faculty programme with Disney Company will allow of Business and others from , Rwanda, participants to network with leaders, take part Nigeria, , , Zimbabwe, , in personal and career development classes, , Namibia, Angola and South Africa. and build transferable skills such as problem- The Walt Disney Company is an American solving, teamwork, guest service and effective Ms Jill Jacobsen. establishment operating around the world and, communication,” said Ms Siya. together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, Career and Counselling Centre Director, it is a leading diversified international Dr Lucky Odirile, urged those who would be programme allowed international culinary family entertainment and media enterprise enrolled for the internship to return home participants to gain exposure to all areas of with a number of business segments. These upon completion of training in the USA to the kitchen operation, including the ability include media networks, parks, experiences contribute towards the development of their to understand financial aspects of a food and and consumer products as well as studio home countries. beverage operation. entertainment. Dr Odirile assured the participants a once- “Participants are exposed to various food The interview session was organised by the in-a-lifetime opportunity in the US as they stations within the kitchen and become familiar UB Department of Tourism and Hospitality in would learn from one of the world’s most with the menu and products of the restaurant. conjunction with the Careers and Counselling innovative entertainment companies. “You’ll The participant will refine culinary skills within Centre. The Walt Disney Company was also gain valuable leadership, presentation and the kitchen department,” said Ms Maluta. represented by international recruitment team customer service skills, all things that Disney is As for Ms Kreco, she said Disney's Animal members, Ms Jill Jacobsen; Ms Katy Kreco knowned for worldwide,” she said. Programme was responsible for the care and from the Animal, Science and Environment Meanwhile, Ms Jacobsen noted that the welfare of animals across Walt Disney Animal Programme and Ms Regina Maluta from the participants would have the opportunity Kingdom Lodge. She added that Disney's International Recruitment Culinary Training to share unique cultures and customs of Animal Programme also shared conservation Programme. their countries with guests, while working in messages with guests, and the cast while Speaking at the event, Head of the different frontline and guest facing roles. championing the wise use of resources across Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Ms Similarly, Ms Maluta said the internship the Walt Disney World Resort Property.

UB Newsletter: September 2018 | 11 Editor: Thomas Nkhoma I Publications Manager: Kentse Bogatsu FOLLOW US: Published by the University of Botswana - Public Affairs, P/Bag 0022 . BOTSWANA UbMmadikolo Direct12 | UB enquiries Newsletter: andSeptember contributions 2018 to: The Editor, UB Newsletter, Tel: 3552797, e-mail: [email protected] @UBBotswana