15 Jun 2022

 University of Botswana (UB) Foundation will host a fundraising golf day tournament on July 8 to augment its Graduate Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Speaking during the tournament launch in Gaborone on Tuesday, UB Chancellor, Tebelelo Seretse, said it was one of the university’s efforts towards according deserving students a chance through the provision of post graduate scholarships.

Seretse also announced that Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) had sponsored the golf tournament for two years at an annual amount of P150 000, bringing the total sponsorship amount to P300 000.

She said BTC’s generous sponsorship came at a time when sport tourism was gaining prominence in the country’s economic development.

“Botswana has hosted golf tournaments adored by international golfers, which has in a way stimulated demand for luxury accommodation, good food and efficient transportation,” she said.

Therefore, she said it was against this observation and line of thinking that required UB to think of improved ways to make the golf day tournament even better.

“Therefore, there is no reason why the tournament should itself not become an international event that attracts participants from abroad,” she said.

Moreover, Seretse highlighted that the university had recognised the need to establish strong, able and sustainable partnerships.

In that light, she said establishment of the foundation was progressive since it raised funds to supplement what UB received from the government.

“It is through such partnerships that the UB foundation advances the university to implement quality programmes that produce quality graduates who will function as walking billboards of the university, both here at home and abroad,” she said.

For his part, BTC commercial sponsorship events manager, Mosarwa Molema said they saw an opportunity to bridge the digital divide of continuity of education, contribute towards the university’s alumni.

“We remain the pioneer in bridging the digital gap and making connectivity a primary focus of who we are as an organisation,” he said.

He said BTC would continue to remain a participant in ensuring that education at a digital level was a key point towards the realisation of a knowledge based economy.

Meanwhile, UB Foundation chairperson, Satar Dada, said through the Endowment Fund, which was established in 2003, the foundation had been able to award scholarships to 318 students.

He said since UB trained students across a broad spectrum of professions and some who would end up working for BTC, it was in the same context in which BTC’s financial support for the foundation would yield long-term benefits for the company as well.

“On that basis, I wish to encourage both BTC and UB to explore other areas where they can collaborate for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

The 18-hole golf tournament will comprise of 32 teams.  ENDS