Seithati Motsoeneng
BOTHO University has officially opened its newly built Ha Pena-Pena campus, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Lesotho’s education sector.
Renowned for its dedication to excellence in higher education, the institution has since its inception 20 years ago in Gaborone, Botswana, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Southern Africa’s brightest minds.
Located in the heart of Ha Pena-Pena, the new campus offers an unparalleled learning experience, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. With a focus on fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration, the institution aims to empower students to reach their full potential.
Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso expressed her pride in the opening of the new campus, emphasizing its significance for Lesotho’s education sector.
“This new campus will undoubtedly create an even more diverse and enriching learning environment. It is a testament to the institution’s commitment to investing in education and shaping young minds,” Her Majesty said.
She further highlighted that the campus would ensure that Botho University graduates are not just employable but also drivers of innovation and progress.
Her Majesty commended the university for being one of the few private higher education institutions in Lesotho to operate from its own building, describing it as a clear demonstration of dedication to enhancing education in the country.
She urged staff and students to take good care of the magnificent structure, as it stands as a legacy for present and future generations of Basotho. Addressing students, she encouraged them to make the most of their opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art environment.
“Let this campus inspire you to aim higher, dream bigger, and achieve your greatest aspirations,” she said.
Minister of Education and Training, Ntoi Rapapa, praised Botho University for reaching this milestone after initially operating under challenging conditions at Maseru Mall.
“The journey to this significant achievement has not been easy. Students have faced uncertainties regarding accommodation, yet the university has worked tirelessly to ensure that the quality of education remains uncompromised,” he noted.
Professor Rapapa also commended the university staff for their unwavering commitment to the education sector despite challenges.
“This is a significant milestone for the university, showcasing the vision and dedication of its management, as well as its resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles,” he stated.
Botho University Vice-Chancellor, Sheela Ram Raja Ram, reflected on the institution’s journey, recalling how owning a campus once seemed like an impossible dream.
“Owning a campus was just a dream a few years ago, but today it has become a reality,” Dr Raja Ram said.
She emphasised that the journey had been filled with challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic being the biggest setback.
Dr Raja Ram expressed her excitement about the new campus, stating that it would not only be a place of learning but also a space where dreams come true and lifelong relationships are built.