Page 21 - issue 25

Smart Green Botswana Makeathon 21

The Role of our development

partners cannot be overlooked

towards KBE

The unveiling of the solar
car was done by Honorable
Peggy Serame – the Minister
of Investment, Trade and
Investment and the Minister
of Tertiary Education -
Douglas Letsholathebe

DMA and its supporting partners unveiled the towards a knowledge-based one. I wish like to express my sincere
solar powered car during a dinner event at the appreciation to the German Government through our cooperation
VUniversity of Botswana Faculty of Engineering arrangements for their facilitation in making the “Smart Green”
rooms. Honorable Peggy Serame – the Minister of Makeathon a reality. Further gratitude is extended to VMDA
Investment, Trade and Investment gave the closing and their partner company ITQ GmbH for giving Botswana the
remarks. She started by thanking the participants and opportunity to host this concept.” the Minister noted.
organizing institutions for an eventful innovative week.
“It has indeed been quite an eventful week where we In her conclusion she emphasised to all stakeholders and citizens
witnessed innovation and creativity among our students. of Botswana that this is one of the first and important steps in
It was quite amazing to witness how our students were preparing for the development of an electric car, and indeed
able to apply their knowledge to solve various industry in the overall national transformation agenda. “I reiterate that
challenges.” she said. Government will continue to put in place the necessary support
and facilitation.” She said.
The Smart Green Makeathon had provided Botswana
an opportunity to fast track her preparedness in
realizing the quest of bringing electric mobility to the
country. The solar powered car is a foundation for the
manufacture of an electric car in this country. Ms Peggy
went on to express how humbled she had been by the
overwhelming interest that was expressed by Batswana,
in particular the youth. The number of enquiries that
were received and those who visited the Makeathon was
a clear indication that students and the youth in general
have embraced innovation as a way of life.

“The role of our development partners cannot be Honorable Peggy Serame – the Minister of
overlooked in our quest to transform this economy Investment, Trade and Investment

www.engineermagazine.co.bw Issue 25 - Dec/Jan 2020