Hopolang Mokhopi 

The Lehakoe Recreation Centre in Maseru was packed on Friday when 300 students graduated from Botho University. 

This was the fifth edition of the Botho University graduation ceremony since the institution opened its Lesotho campus in 2017 at Maseru Mall. 

The 300 graduated in the fields of engineering, commerce, occupational health and safety and hospitality, among others. 

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, commended the quality of education offered by Botho University. 

He congratulated the class of 2023 graduates for their dedication and hard work which he said had yielded results. 

“You will always remember this day when you graduated, well done,” said Mr Moteane. 

“As we congratulate you, it is important to remember your families and friends, teachers, all those people including your cleaners at the university, who have contributed to where you are. Without them, you would probably not have made it, but their support has played a crucial part.” 

For his part, the Country Head at Botho University Maseru Campus, ‘Makhosi Hlalele, thanked families, friends and lecturers for their unwavering support which she said had played a pivotal role in the learnership of the graduates. 

“Let us carry the spirit of this day with us while you remember the lessons learnt and the friendships forged,” Ms Hlalele said. 

Ms Hlalele said she had no doubt that the graduating class of 2023 would achieve greater things. 

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up and notes that it must outrun the fastest lion, or else it will be killed. Similarly, a lion notes it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you better be running. 

“A growth mindset means you’re always on your toes looking for opportunities and see them when they approach.” 

For his part, the university’s Pro–Vice Chancellor, Priya Iyer, said the graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new journey for the graduates. 

“Botho University has been providing quality higher education for the past 27 years around the continent and in Lesotho for the past seven years. 

“The mandate of the University is to promote or produce well rounded globally employable citizens….” 

One of the graduates, Ellaine Fontamillas, said their studies had placed them out of their comfort zones. They had managed to make it through hard work and perseverance.