Amid the excitement of the official launch of Botswana’s first University Innovation Pod (UniPod) on December 16, 2024, a group of University of Botswana (UB) staff members staged a silent protest, raising their voices on critical issues impacting their professional lives. The protest, which took place outside the Innovation Centre during the event, was fueled by ongoing concerns about poor working conditions, unequal pay, and the declining quality of education at the institution.
The UniPod launch, which was celebrated as a milestone for innovation, youth empowerment, and economic development, became the backdrop for the staff’s demonstration. The UniPod, designed to foster creativity and offer a space for students and young innovators to access advanced technologies, promises to bridge the gap between higher education and industry. The event, attended by key stakeholders including the Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Mooketsi Prince Maele, was initially met with excitement, but the protest drew attention to a stark contrast between the institution’s aspirations and the staff’s current grievances.
The protesting staff members expressed frustration over several long-standing issues that they say have gone unaddressed under the leadership of Vice Chancellor David Norris. According to the protesters, poor working conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, outdated teaching resources, and limited professional development opportunities, have led to a decline in the quality of education.
In addition to the working conditions, the staff raised concerns about unequal pay. Many claimed that there was a significant disparity between their compensation and the work expected of them, with some employees voicing that their contributions are undervalued. This issue is compounded by the rising cost of living and lack of financial support for academic staff members, especially in a time of expanding demands at the university.
One of the more serious demands from the protesters was the removal of Vice Chancellor David Norris. According to the protestors, Norris’s leadership has been marked by poor decision-making and an inability to address the core challenges facing the university. They argue that his tenure has contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among staff and students alike.
“We are not against progress,” said one of the protesting staff members, “but we are concerned that the University is prioritizing projects like UniPod while the very people who sustain the institution—its staff—are being neglected. We want to see a university that values its people, one that ensures the well-being of its staff and students before showcasing innovation that we all know is far from sustainable unless these foundational issues are addressed.”
The protest at the UniPod launch has ignited a wider conversation about the state of higher education in Botswana, with many calling for an urgent review of university leadership and a reevaluation of how the country can better invest in its education sector. Staff and students alike are now demanding accountability from the Ministry of Higher Education and the university’s administration.
While the UniPod’s creation is undeniably a significant step forward in Botswana’s efforts to foster innovation and technological advancement, the protests serve as a reminder that meaningful progress must be inclusive and considerate of all stakeholders—especially those who contribute to the educational foundations upon which such innovations are built.
As the protest continues to capture public attention, the question remains: Will the government and university leadership listen to the concerns of their staff, and will this spark the necessary reforms to improve the quality of education and working conditions at the University of Botswana? Only time will tell.
