Africa-Press – Botswana. Acclaimed local researcher, Dr Sikhulile Moyo was the toast of the night Tuesday at the inaugural Botswana national research excellence awards scooping three prestigious honours and pocketing P215 000.
Dr Moyo, who shot to fame for his discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, was bestowed with the COVID-19 research award, most outstanding research and special award for Omicron’s discovery.
Other big winners for the night were Professor Rodrick Jamisola for most impactful research and information communication and technology award, Dr Modisa Motswaledi with the most established research award and Dr Temo Tema and Mr Kabo Baruti with the early career award.
In total, 14 researchers were recognised during the event which is aimed at promoting research and efficient knowledge generation and management as a vital resource for national development.
Minister of Communication, Knowledge and Technology, Mr Thulagano Segokgo applauded the fact Botswana researchers were increasingly being recognised nationally and internationally.
He noted that Botswana recently made history in COVID-19 research when Dr Moyo and his team discovered the Omicron variant.
Other research successes, he said, were in agriculture, which included development of animal vaccines.
Stating that research and technology were top government priorities as they were vital for attainment of Botswana’s high economic status ambitions, he said the country continued to invest more in the fields.
His ministry, the event’s main sponsor, was committed to building a sustainable national research ecosystem, Mr Segokgo said.
He however acknowledged that the national research capacity was challenged due to insufficient funding.
For his part, Business Botswana director of policy advocacy, Mr Dichabe Molobe called on the private sector to help in funding research.
He said most developed countries made it through research because the private sector played a significant role in the field.
Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said his ministry was also inculcating a culture of research at basic education levels.
Combining teaching and research was more effective hence the collaboration between his ministry and that of communication knowledge and technology, he said.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
