13/09/2026
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Deputy Permanent Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Prof. Agreement Lathi Jotia, has continued his engagements with TVET institutions across Botswana, visiting Ghanzi Brigade Centre and Matsheng Brigade to engage management, staff and students on challenges affecting training and the broader TVET revitalisation agenda.
At Ghanzi Brigade, Principal Ms Mokoma outlined the institutionβs history, noting that it was established in 1998. She said the brigade currently offers NCQF Levels III and IV in Automotive Engineering, Bricklaying and Plastering, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Livestock Farming and Management, Certificate in Accounting and Business Studies, as well as Music.
Ms Mokoma also highlighted the institutionβs collaboration with Ghanzi Development Corporation through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening industry collaboration. However, she raised concerns around staff shortages and inadequate staff accommodation, with some houses requiring urgent maintenance.
Representing students, SRC President Mr Carlos Ramolale raised concerns around shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), limited practical training opportunities, student engagement and uncertainty surrounding NCQF pilot programmes. He also called for partnerships that protect students and urged Government to prioritise brigades, describing them as the backbone of Botswanaβs TVET system.
Prof. Jotia acknowledged the concerns raised at Ghanzi and expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the institutionβs grounds, saying the physical environment should reflect the image of a modern and revitalised TVET institution. He stressed that the change of Government must also be accompanied by a change in attitude and service delivery.
He highlighted the approved TVET Policy, which seeks to strengthen institutional structures, reform curricula and improve programme accreditation. Prof. Jotia indicated that 50 percent of the next budget will be channelled towards the revitalisation agenda, including curriculum review and staff capacitation.
He further urged lecturers to take greater ownership of curriculum development and quality assurance, arguing that those closest to training are best positioned to develop programmes that respond to industry needs. He also raised concerns over delays in examination results and indicated that radical reforms would be undertaken at Madirelo Training and Testing Centre to align the institution with the TVET revitalisation agenda.
At Matsheng Brigade, Principal Mr Eric Motsumi highlighted shortages of staff, accommodation and training resources. The institution has initiated construction of staff houses, although the project remains incomplete due to inadequate resources.
Mr Motsumi also raised challenges with the institutionβs water reticulation system, explaining that saline water causes blockages in pipes and pumps. A shortage of training models was also identified as a major challenge affecting effective practical training.
Prof. Jotia emphasised the importance of training models in TVET delivery, noting that they provide learners with the practical exposure required to develop industry-relevant competencies. He also acknowledged communication challenges between the Department and institutions following the transition from the former Department of Skills Development to the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET).
He explained that a new structure is already in place as part of the TVET revitalisation process, while the transition from legacy programmes to an NCQF-aligned curriculum is intended to strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of TVET training.
The engagements also brought staff welfare into focus, with concerns raised at the two institutions around career progression, transfers, staff shortages, accommodation, PPE, vehicles, temporary employment, marking rates and scarce skills allowances. Staff representatives also raised concerns around outdated equipment, maintenance responsibilities and inadequate resources.
Prof. Jotia said the Ministry was working to address the concerns and encouraged institutional leadership to handle matters such as transfers and staff exchanges with compassion. He also indicated that efforts were underway to source funding for staff housing and address other operational challenges.
The issue of student welfare also featured during the engagements. At Matsheng, SRC President Mr Yame Joseph expressed hope that implementation of the TVET revitalisation agenda would bring meaningful improvements, while highlighting shortages of training models and lecturers and inadequate sports facilities.
Prof. Jotia also addressed concerns around the way students currently receive their allowances. He said efforts were underway to transition the payment of student allowances from the current Post Office collection system to VISA cards, noting the risks associated with students carrying cash when collecting their allowances.
The move is intended to provide students with a safer and more convenient means of accessing their allowances.
The engagements further highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between TVET institutions and industry. Prof. Jotia cited partnerships involving De Beers, Khoemacau Mine and the Botswana Police Service, while cautioning that Memoranda of Understanding should undergo proper scrutiny and, where appropriate, consultation with Student Representative Councils before being finalised.
He also announced that the Tuli Block Conservation Trust has committed to constructing workshops at Molalatau Brigade, which has not been in use for some time.
The visits form part of Prof. Jotiaβs continuing engagements with TVET institutions across Botswana aimed at obtaining first-hand information on their operational realities, identifying challenges and strengthening implementation of the Governmentβs TVET revitalisation agenda.
