Page 19 - issue 25

Smart Green Botswana Makeathon
www.engineermagazine.co.bw
www.engineermagazine.co.bw
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mart Green Botswana Makeathon is an unforgettable experience
for participants and the organisers who showed commitment to
Sthe success of this event. Like most new things there were some
challenges to overcome in the early stages of preparation. but finally all
went well. The event theme was ‘Propelling Botswana towards Industry
4.0’. Speaking at the event opening ceremony was Mr Fabian Kyrieleis from
the Germany Embassy. He said Germany is happy to support Botswana in
working hard to diversify its economy and to drive the country’s economic
development by creating value locally. He emphasised that innovation is a
key factor to all of this.“Makeathon are indeed interesting concepts that
are value adding towards the development of economies and should be
embraced in a sustainable manner,” he explained.
The Makeathon had students from different universities and technical
colleges from Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa. They came
together to create, innovate and design smart, green solutions that will
alleviate some of the challenges faced in the country.
Mr Kyrieleis went on to say, “this move is timely for Botswana to be
undertaking especially with the world advancing towards creation of
fresh solutions. “He encouraged the students to embrace the knowledge,
understanding and experience that they will have acquired during the
Makeathon. He concluded by thanking the VDMA and ITQ GmBh for
extending the gesture to Botswana and to host its inaugural Makeathon.
He reiterated that the Germany Embassy remains committed towards
supporting any efforts geared towards advancing Botswana economy.
Mr Fabian Kyreiles - German Embassy Reprresentative
The Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Technology (UB) Professor Ben
Bolaane also agreed with the German ambassador and said that these
small steps in innovation will set a platform for Botswana to be an active
participant in the fourth industrial revolution. Professor Bolaane noted
how the university of Botswana has indeed embraced renewable energy
technologies by introducing a Clean Energy Research center. The faculty
is also making efforts to develop biodiesel from different stock feeds ,
jatropha and beef tallow. Amidst all these efforts the faculty also intends to
build a solar powered shuttle commissioned to SEZA as well as take part in
the Shell Eco Marathon.
“All these faculty initiatives are in tandem with the Smart Green Botswana
Makeathon. We hope the Makeathon will leave a lasting legacy and
strengthen our resolve towards industry 4.0.”he concluded.
Professor Ben Bolaane
Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Technology
University Of Botswana
Issue 25 - Dec/Jan 2020