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Monash in Botswana

Monash South Africa has hosted a cocktail party in Botswana as part of a series of planned visits to African countries to forge links, cement existing relationships and stimulate awareness of the university.

Guests at the function in the Botswana capital, Gabarone, included the South African High Commissioner to Botswana, the vice-chancellor of the University of Botswana, Botswana government ministers and heads of government departments and chief executives from the public and private sector.

Monash South Africa pro vice-chancellor Professor John Anderson told the gathering that Monash South Africa would continue to focus on being a provider of high-quality tertiary education in the region.

"We are keen to cooperate with the many fine local universities to share what we have and to learn where we can. We are interested in pursuing long-term relationships. If we learn together and grow together, we can build a future together," he said.

"We certainly don't pretend that we can solve the problems of Africa, but we are keen to engage constructively and make a contribution where we can in advancing human rights and social justice."

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Festina Bakwena, spoke on behalf of the Botswana Minister of Education, Mr Kgeledi Kgoroba, in support of Monash South Africa.

"The Ministry of Education is privileged to be associated with Monash University, and Monash South Africa, as a university that has made a strong commitment to the development of human resources in this region," Mrs Bakwena said.