Page 12 - issue 23

12 In The News

he Engineers Forum 2019 can
be summed up in one word –
TSuccess. An inaugural outstanding
achievement from the Engineers
Registration Board. The event was
attended by industry regulators such as
Botswana Institution of Engineers (BIE),
ACEB and QRSC to name a few. Over 500
engineers graced the three-day event.
In the opening remarks made by ERB
Board chairman, Engineer Justice Moilwa
spoke of a three-year Marketing Strategy
developed and approved by ERB Board
of Directors to enhance the reputation
of the engineering Profession. The Board
had an aim to facilitate discussion of
ideas, industry challenges and solutions.
The event is currently being offered to
institutions or entities who wish to carry
the brand further and sustain it for the Attendees at the Forum
benefit of the sector. Proposals in this
regard are being accepted.

The theme for this year’s event was
‘fostering Engineering innovation and our local engineers. By 2024 he noted in Botswana .Mr Mokotedi said it can be
creativity through effective partnerships’ major milestone technologies that assumed non registered engineers are
and this was subdivided into sub themes will be upon mankind based on an either not qualified or up to ‘something
for the three-day event. The sub themes eight thousand experts survey. These sinister’. He elaborated further by saying
were Innovation and Creativity technologies include but not limited to that these type of engineers will inevitably
in delivery of Engineering services Artificial Intelligence Board members, bring the profession to disrepute as they
and Projects The role of Engineering implantable smartphones, internet being may undertake in underhanded dealings.
Society in Achievement of Sustainable a basic human right and the advent During 2017/2018 period 23 cases of
development as well as Striking effective of robot pharmacists. On that note he malpractice/fraud were recorded and
partnerships among stakeholders. emphasized that, “As Engineers you are 21 staff members in the Ministry of
at the forefront of this Revolution”. Infrastructure and Housing Development
Notably was the keynote address by the were apprehended for non-registration and
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of The Permanent Secretary challenged invalid certificates. “The Ministry will not
Infrastructure and Housing Development the engineers present to engage both stand in the way of ERB from carrying out
Mr Dikagiso Mokotedi who spoke on government and the public to proffer its mandate”. he said.
behalf of the absent Minister due to innovative solutions both at policy and
Cabinet Meeting obligations .This speech technical levels to address challenges In his closing remarks the Permanent
had so much notables and urged the being faced by the country. The country secretary said as a matter of fact that
engineers to keep on doing what they already has supporting institutions that “Some of us will no longer be occupying
do best – innovating and creating. Mr form the basic building blocks from positions that we do after October 2019.
Mokotedi In his address gave a brief learning institutions such as BIUST, But Botswana will remain and you will
history of the enactment of the Engineers BIH, BITRI, CIPA and many more. He still play a critical role in the development
Registration Act and spoke on how Local said there is no excuse why Batswana of this country. I want you to remember
engineers had been fewer twenty years cannot fully commit themselves to your professional obligation and not to
ago. He said that it was spoken by the build a knowledge based economy. ERB political players whether in private or public
then Minister of Woks and Transport was commended for the Continuous sector. Do not allow yourselves to be used
that it was clear, the engineering Professional development policy which by politicians to disregard professional
profession lay squarely in the hands of aims at fostering self-improvement and engineering standards to the detriment of
the professionals. also mentorship to young engineers. our people. Let us separate our personal
Thus far, the Registration body and political interests and persuasions from our
Associations have not disappointed. He In making strides to ensuring registration professional obligation. We will be better
said that the fourth industrial revolution of Engineers, ERB has registered 60 % served by putting Botswana first.”
was creating a sense of urgency for of estimated 9000 engineers operating

Issue 23 - Aug/Sept 2019 www.engineermagazine.co.bw www.engineermagazine.co.bw Issue 23 - Aug/Sept 2019