22 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has inspired Tsabong Unified Senior Secondary School (TUSS) pupils sitting for the Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education (BGCSE) and Junior Certificate examinations to strive for excellence. 

President Masisi yesterday morning drove the first locally manufactured electric vehicle to the school assembly to wish the candidates good luck in their examination and to motivate them to dream big.

He informed the pupils that the vehicle was a major stride towards the adoption of renewable energy in the automobile industry by government through embracing the sustainable eco-friendly mobility solutions, which were cost-effective. 

The President said government facilitated the manufacturing of the first electric boat by locals, thus he encouraged the learners to work hard to be able to produce an electric train in future. 

Such developments, he said, would move the economy from being dependent on mineral resources to other sectors of the economy such as the manufacturing, agriculture and agro processing. 

“We want to also depend on our intellect, brainpower to create new products and services,” the President said, encouraging the pupils to work hard to become economic players in the future. 

Furthermore, he said government was committed to growing the creative sector, citing the Department of Broadcasting Services talent road show, which unearthed artistic talent across the country.

President Masisi said government was also committed to building a robust education system hence was putting resources in place to give young people a good education that would enable them to compete amongst the best in the world.

He said government ensured availability of utilities such as water and electricity, computers, laptops, tablets, laboratories, papers, smart phones, and internet connectivity, amongst others, which come at a huge cost, demonstrating commitment to providing quality education.

He urged the learners to make hay while the sun shines.

The President said Botswana produced some of the best human resources capital in teachers, capable of producing the best students. 

“We want you to do wonderful things in the world, and be of impact in the world, producing goods, industrial goods, cosmetics, and services. Be the best in your life and add value to the economy… so do not take what you learn here lightly,” he said to the learners. 

President Masisi said government created an environment for an all-inclusive economy, adding that for those who did not land white color jobs, programmes and policies to support Small Micro and Medium Enterprises were in place, citing Chema Chema as an example. 

He said all subjects that were taught in schools played a critical role in real life situations. The President encouraged pupils to respect and value their teachers who  play an integral role in moulding them. 

For his part, the school head, Mr Kabelo Mosenke, appreciated President Masisi’s  visit to the school. 

Encouraging the pupils to study hard he said, “You are the only ones who can change the phase and results of this school. Make sure you read well for your examinations.” 

On behalf of the pupils, a Form 5 learner, Ms Thato Mosweu said  President Masisi’s visit to the school  reflected government’s commitment to education and served as motivation for the learners as they sat for their examination.

She said the current cohort of candidates was determined to deliver good academic results.

She appreciated the President for believing in their potential, adding that showcasing of the electric car was motivation for them to strive for excellence as it reinforced their determination to achieve greater things. Ends