News

Parents of Eswatini students at the University of Botswana (UB) have expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, for proactively addressing and clarifying their concerns regarding their children’s well-being and academic experience.

The meeting, held in Mbabane on 10th of August 2024, was convened in response to mutual concerns raised by both parents and University Management about the welfare of Eswatini students. In a candid and open atmosphere, Professor Norris and the parents discussed the challenges faced by students at UB and explored potential solutions.

The parents acknowledged the rare honour of having someone of Professor Norris's stature travelling from Botswana to engage directly with them, valuing his willingness to leave the comfort of his office to address their concerns and exchange ideas.

They underscored the significance of maintaining strong bilateral relations and the familial ties between the citizens of Botswana and Eswatini, echoing the spirit of the former University of Botswana and Swaziland (UBS).

Among the challenges discussed, parents noted their tendency to overextend themselves in managing their children’s affairs which may hinder their children’s self-actualisation and assertiveness. They emphasised the importance of allowing students to become self-reliant and responsible members of society. In addition, they called on the University to take disciplinary actions when necessary to guide wayward students towards responsible behaviour.

The meeting also featured insights from UB alumni in Eswatini, Siyabonga Ngcotheni, Vuma Motsa, and Lwandile Mamba, who shared their enriching experiences at the University. They advised parents to remain actively engaged with their children's academic progress and to manage financial support cautiously to prevent exposure to potential temptations.

Concluding the meeting, Professor Norris expressed appreciation for the parents' initiative in organising the event and their collaborative approach to resolving pressing issues. He provided an update on UB’s ongoing transformation into a High-Performance Organisation (HPC), aimed at enhancing service delivery and creating a supportive environment for work and learning.

Professor Norris further encouraged parents to motivate their children to participate in student activities such as the Living and Learning Communities (LLC), which offer valuable mentorship across disciplines.

LLCs are designed to connect students living in residence who share common interests and to extend opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. They provide opportunities for students to get involved within their residence community, while connecting with peers, faculty and staff.

Consequently, Professor Norris also urged the parents to encourage their children to freely interact with students from diverse nationalities, emphasising that such interactions were key to developing a global perspective and broader mindset.