Trio receive Honorary Doctorates
19 Oct 2024
The trio of messrs Legwaila Legwaila, Satar Dada and Johnson Motshwarakgole have been bestowed with Honorary Degrees of Doctors Letters in recognition of their notable contribution to various sectors of the economy.
Sharing profiles of the recipients during the 42nd University of Botswana graduation ceremony on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Richard Tabulawa, said Ambassador Legwaila Legwaila was a distinguished diplomat and towering figure in Botswana's diplomatic history.
Prof Tabulawa said the recognition was in appreciation of his exceptional contribution to the public service, diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa and globally. With a career spanning several decades, Mr Legwaila has held various key positions in the public service.
Born February 2, 1937 in Mathathane in the Bobirwa District, Ambassador Legwaila started his journey as an Assistant External Affairs Officer in the Office of the President before becoming Senior Private Secretary to the country’s founding President, the late Sir Seretse Khama.
His impactful tenure as Botswana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations lasted from 1980 to 2002, during which he played a crucial role in multiple international negotiations.
Mr Legwaila's educational background is equally impressive. He received his primary education in Bobirwa and the Transvaal Province, South Africa, before founding and teaching at a primary school in Semolale.
He later in 1967 pursued studies at the Serowe Teacher Training College, where he was given special dispensation entry since he was a mature student.. Based on his nine years teaching experience, he was enrolled into the third and final year instead of starting in the first year.
He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Political Science from the University of Calgary between 1968 and 1972. He also holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science from the University of Alberta, further enhancing his capacity to contribute to public service and diplomacy.
Prof Tabulawa said remarkable contributions have earned him several accolades, including the Presidential Order of Honour (PH), awarded by the late President Sir Ketumile Masire in 1992.
Furthermore, his influence extends to various national and international assignments where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership. Notably, he served as the Chairperson of the founding Board of the Botswana Radiation Protection Agency and led a task force on corporate governance at the Botswana Meat Commission.
He said his expertise was also sought during critical moments when he was appointed Botswana’s team leader for Mozambique’s SADC Election Observer Mission in 2019 and served as a Special Advisor to former President Festus Mogae during the South Sudan peace process from 2015 to 2018.
Prof Tabulawa said Mr Legwaila's extensive contributions to diplomacy, public service and conflict resolution made him a highly deserving candidate for the honorary degree.
“The recognition not only honours his achievements but also reflects the University of Botswana's commitment to acknowledging individuals who have made substantial contributions to society,” he said.
Another recipient of the UB Honorary Doctorate was veteran unionist, Mr Johnson Pikiniki Motshwarakgole. The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the labour movement, humanities and social sciences. Mr Motshwarakgole was born on May 25, 1954 in Molepolole.
Despite never attending formal schooling, Mr Motshwarakgole started working early as a boy at an Indian store as a labourer and later a gardener and driver at veterinary services to provide for his family.
With his meagre proceeds, Prof Tabulawa said Mr Motshwarakgole was able to provide for his family, taking his siblings through formal schooling and building them a proper housing structure.
For the past 50 years, the name Johnson Motshwarakgole has become synonymous with Botswana labour movements, in particular the relentless fight for the rights of the manual workers.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Mr Motshwarakgole has been a key figure in advocating for workers' rights across Botswana.
Prof Tabulawa said Mr Motshwarakgole played a key role in founding the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSO), Southern Africa Trade Union Council (SATUC) and Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU).
“His leadership led to critical victories, including the reinstatement of union members following the 1991 and 2011 public service strikes,” said Prof Tabulawa.
Beyond his union work, Mr Motshwarakgole has made significant leadership contributions to national commissions. He served as Vice Chairperson of the Presidential Constitutional Review Commission in 2021 and was a member of both the Ibrahim Salaries Review Commission (2007) and the Steenkamp Salaries Review Commission in the 1970s.
Therefore, his expertise and advocacy helped shape key national policies particularly in the area of workers' rights and wages. Internationally, Mr Motshwarakgole has represented Botswana at various high-level forums, including his role as an official delegate to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva between 2015 and 2019 as well as his participation in the US State Department Delegation in 2000.
Notably, he also joined President Sir Ketumile Masire on a state visit to Chile in 1997, further cementing his influence on the global stage. He said through the honorary degree, UB acknowledges not only his contributions to the labour movement but also his significant achievements in shaping national and international labour relations as well as his leadership in driving social justice and policy reform.
Mr Motshwarakgole was the Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Manual Workers Union. Although he was now retired, Prof Tabulawa said Mr Motshwarakgole still serves as a senior consultant for the Manual Workers Union.
Prof Tabulawa said Mr Motshwarakgole had made a long and rewarding career as a member of the Botswana National Front (BNF), which he has served for over 40 years in the central committee and as Councillor for Kgale View from from 1994 to 1999.
Businessman and philanthropist Satar Dada was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the humanities, social sciences and the business world. Born January 9, 1940 in Moshupa, Prof Tabulawa said Mr Dada had built an exceptional career as a business leader and philanthropist, significantly contributing to Botswana’s economic growth.
“As the founder of the Associated Investment Development Corporation and owner of Tswana Pride, the country’s largest poultry business, Mr Dada has created thousands of jobs. His entrepreneurial ventures also include Motor Centre Botswana, a prominent Toyota dealership,” said Prof Tabulawa.
Beyond his business achievements, Mr Dada has been a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous community projects and people in need. Prof Tabulawa said Mr Dada’s charitable work included a $3.5 million donation of property to the World Memon Organisation, the construction of clinics and houses for vulnerable communities as well as contributions to Botswana's COVID-19 Relief Fund.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Prof Tabulawa said Mr Dada had made remarkable financial contributions to the UB.
“As the founder and long-serving Chairperson of the UB Foundation, he has helped raise millions of Pula for the institution over the past 23 years. His dedication to supporting higher education has had a lasting impact on the University and its students,” he said.
Mr Dada’s leadership extends beyond business and philanthropy as he has served on numerous boards, including Orange Botswana and Botswana Railways and has been a long-time treasurer of both the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Botswana Muslim Association.
He is also the president of the World Memon Organisation, an international charitable group. His contributions to Botswana’s political landscape are equally notable.
Mr Dada has served as a councillor in Kanye, a Specially Elected Member of Parliament and an active member of various committees within the Gaborone City Council. Prof Tabulawa said in recognition of his exceptional service to the business world, UB, and philanthropy, the honorary degree is a fitting tribute to Mr Dada’s lasting legacy.
“The University is proud to acknowledge his achievements and the positive impact he has made on the nation,” he said. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Moshe Galeragwe
Location : Gaborone
Event : Graduation ceremony
Date : 19 Oct 2024
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