08/09/2026
๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐. ๐
๐ค๐ฉ๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ช๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฟ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ฝ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐
๐ฌ๐ณ.๐ฌ๐ต.๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ-๐๐ช๐๐ง๐-The Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Professor Agreement Lathi Jotia, continues rolling out the TVET revitalisation agenda with a visit to Gweta Brigade, where he engaged management, staff and students to appreciate the institution's successes as well as gaining first hand insight into institutional challenges.
During the visit, Prof. Jotia commended the institution for maintaining high quality standards despite operating under challenging circumstances. He also acknowledged that Gweta Brigade has never before been visited by the Ministry's leadership as articulated by staff, and he buttressed the fact that such engagements are important so as to better plan for the future with full appreciation of the circumstances under which staff and students operate.
"The purpose of this visit is to obtain first hand information so that when issues are raised, we are able to respond from a position of command," he said.
Prof. Jotia emphasised that successful TVET transformation depends on investing in people, noting that the sector cannot be transformed without capacitating its staff.
"We cannot change TVET without empowering our staff. There is therefore a need to capacitate you so you can function better," he said.
He further stressed the importance of providing modern training equipment to ensure learners are exposed to technologies that are directly linked to the current industry trends and standards.
Prof. Jotia also appreciated the attendance of the entire Student Representative Council (SRC) and informed them that discussions are ongoing with pertinent stakeholders regarding their students allowances so they can be credited into their Visa Cards rather than continuing to receive them at Botswana Posts which becomes cumbersome especially when the pensioners are also receiving their Tandabala at the same place.
Presenting the institution's status, Gweta Brigade Principal, Mr Mazwiduma, said the brigade currently offers three National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) programmes: Automotive Engineering Levels III and IV, Bricklaying and Plastering, and Carpentry and Joinery Level III, while Level IV in Carpentry and Joinery is awaiting accreditation by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
He highlighted several challenges affecting the institution, including its remote location, limited access to essential services, inadequate resources, delayed payments and poor communication.
The SRC President, Mr Nthusi Harry, outlined students' concerns, citing shortages of learning resources, dilapidated classrooms, inadequate furniture and textbooks, as well as insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), all of which negatively affect practical training.
He further noted that receiving student allowances through Botswana Post compromises students' safety, since carrying cash exposes them to the risk of theft.
Responding to students' concerns, Prof. Jotia said he took note of the shortage of furniture and promised to resolve the matter within the shortest reasonable time.
Representing staff, Mr Letsile raised concerns over staff transfers and overstays at the institution. He also highlighted the need for modern training models to improve the quality of skills development.
"As we embark on TVET transformation, we need to change how we do things. The Lecturers have to been trained so as for them to successfully deliver content as outlined under the NCQF," he stated.
In response, Prof. Jotia acknowledged that several concerns raised were legitimate and assured staff that they would be reviewed and be addressed. He stressed that those issues requiring immediate attention shall be responded to swiftly.
Prof. Jotia concluded by commending Gweta Brigade for maintaining a very low vacancy rate. He also challenged the institution's management to explore ways of increasing students enrollment so as to absorb extra students more so Gweta is their only hope given its geo-political space and strategic position.
