In a powerful statement made during his tour of Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology (OCAAT), Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, emphasized the importance of leadership in helping the people of Botswana realize their dreams and aspirations. Mr. Gaolathe reflected on the nation’s progress and the significant role that civil servants and the public play in shaping the country’s future.
“What gives me joy, is that the people of this country know where they want to go, the civil servants know where they want to go, and as leadership, our role is to break down the walls that prohibit the people from realizing those passionate dreams,” Mr. Gaolathe stated, highlighting the importance of collective effort and a clear vision for the nation’s growth and development.
The Vice President’s comments reflect the ongoing efforts of the current leadership to empower citizens and foster an environment where dreams and aspirations can be turned into reality. This approach, Mr. Gaolathe explained, is central to ensuring that the country’s human resources—particularly in technical and vocational fields—are given the support and opportunities to thrive.
Promoting Technical and Vocational Education
Mr. Gaolathe took pride in the fact that the current leadership in Botswana is one that has worked tirelessly to elevate the importance of technical and vocational education (TVET) in the country’s development agenda. He emphasized that this focus on TVET is a culmination of years of advocacy and effort, aimed at recognizing and supporting the vital role these fields play in building a competitive, innovative, and diverse economy.
“For many years, we have fought for the day when this country would take technical and vocational education seriously. The day has come,” Mr. Gaolathe remarked, underscoring the critical role of these educational sectors in equipping young people with the practical skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
Technical and vocational education provides students with hands-on experience and expertise in specialized fields such as engineering, construction, health services, and technology—areas that are essential for driving the country’s economic diversification and sustainability.
OCAAT’s Role in Shaping Botswana’s Future
During his visit, Mr. Gaolathe had the opportunity to engage with students and faculty at Oodi College, a key institution that is central to Botswana’s drive to develop skilled professionals in technical fields. The college offers a wide range of programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and expertise necessary to contribute to various industries.
The Principal of OCAAT, Mr. Edwin M. Seitshiro, emphasized the college’s commitment to developing homegrown talent and refining it to meet global standards. He explained that the primary responsibility of the college is to identify potential talent within the community and provide the necessary training to help these individuals transform into experts who can contribute to Botswana’s economic growth.
“Our role is to go out in the community, identify talent that has the potential to change the economy, and refine that talent. We aim to modernize and give it a global outlook, so that our graduates are competitive in the global market,” Mr. Seitshiro said. This emphasis on modernizing and enhancing local talent is in line with Botswana’s broader economic goals, particularly in sectors such as mining, technology, and renewable energy.
A Vision for Botswana’s Future Workforce
The Vice President’s visit to OCAAT underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to developing a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. With rapid advancements in technology and global economic shifts, there is an urgent need for skilled individuals who are not only proficient in technical areas but also adaptable to the changing demands of the global marketplace.
By investing in technical education and vocational training, Botswana is laying the groundwork for a future where the workforce is highly skilled, versatile, and equipped to drive innovation and economic growth. Institutions like OCAAT are at the forefront of this movement, providing students with the tools they need to succeed both locally and internationally.
Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe’s comments at Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology reflect a strong commitment by Botswana’s leadership to empower its people and foster an environment where citizens can turn their dreams into reality. The focus on technical and vocational education, supported by institutions like OCAAT, represents a critical step in building a resilient and dynamic workforce that can drive the nation’s development.
As Botswana continues to invest in education and skill development, the vision for a prosperous future remains clear: by breaking down the barriers to success, providing opportunities for growth, and ensuring a global perspective on education, the country is preparing its citizens to compete and excel in a globalized world.
