02 Jul 2019

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo has launched a book titled, Understanding Relationships, Marriages and Family Life written by Ogomoditse Maruapula.

Speaking during the launch in Palapye recently, Professor Totolo said the book was a professional publication with various contributors and had undergone peer review.

He said the publication was timely and aligned to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s vision and drive for transforming Botswana through recognising the importance of family and marriage which if well-functioning, can curb social ills and give rise to a productive nation.

Professor Totolo said the book cited and emphasised the understanding of relationships, marriages and family life. 

Its author said he had been married for 30 years and is a family man with deep parenting skills and sound appreciation of the marriage institution, value for tradition and culture and a promoter of Botswana heritage.

He said the book was a guide and sharing of experiences from someone who had walked the talk and mentored several people both in marriage,  still dating and preparing to marry.

Prof Totolo said the book should be critiqued and further improved, to put the author in a better position to publish other editions and also allow for continued research on the topic.

The publication emphasises pre/post marital counselling as being critical for the success and sustenance of marriage, presents marriage as a gift from God and supports EBAT Relationship seminar series initiative.

BIUST involvement, Prof. Totolo stated was in line with engaging and taking the university to the community as well as realising that tertiary education students should explore, understand and value marriage before committing themselves hence pre-marital counselling was relevant at BIUST. Ends