The chairman of University of Botswana (UB) Council Parks Tafa and Minister of Education and Skills Development Unity Dow have been asked to take responsibility for the controversial quotas that were introduced for government tertiary sponsorship at the university.
The Vice President of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang told reporters at a press conference that the duo should take responsibility because they are members of the same party and should have resolved the issue before it became a contentious one.
Tafa and Dow are members of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
“The duo should have consulted each other; this goes on to show poor communication skills on their part. Tafa and Dow are BDP activists and they must apologise to the nation for failing to provide meaningful leadership,” said Gobotswang.
He said UB was a parastatal and there was no how government could attempt to absolve itself from the current situation at UB.
“The buck stops with the minister; whatever happens at UB the government is represented. Tafa who is also a BDP activist is involved, they made a mistake and they must own up,” said Gobotswang.
He added that the review of courses to align training with market needs as well as budgetary needs is a process not an event.
“You do not just wake up today and say a Business Studies course is not relevant or suitable today,” said Gobotswang.
Gobotswang also took a swipe at Dow accusing her of being conflicted as a result of her alleged association with one of the academic institutions.
“Clearly the minister is conflicted especially when looking at her relationship with Limkokwing and wants to divert attention,” said Gobotswang.
BCP President Dumelang Saleshando said they have gathered information indicating that some departments at the university would not have first year students completely.
“We are told that due financial constraints some departments won’t have first year students; the government owes the nation an explanation as to why there is no money,” he said.
Last week the ministry issued a statement to the effect that all institutions had been notified of the new quota system and were therefore expected to communicate the same to their prospective students.
Reports indicate that UB vice chancellor, Professor Thabo Fako has since released a statement outlining the agreement to exempt the UB from the quota requirements.
