Limkokwing confers Vice President of Botswana an Honorary Doctorate
11 September 2014, by Onalethata Mogale
Vice President of the Botswana, His Excellency Dr Ponatshego H.K Kedikilwe was recently conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership by Limkokwing University, in recognition to his unwavering and dedicated services to his country for decades.
The Honorary Doctorate was given during the University’s 7th graduation ceremony held on the 4th September at the University campus, an event attended by international Ambassadors, High Commissioners, country representatives, and local industry leaders.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Dr Kedikilwe expressed gratitude towards Limkokwing University for bringing to Botswana an international standard education, which gives the country’s youth the necessary skills and ability to compete on global platforms.
“I wish to appreciate the immense efforts and commitment made by the Founding President, Tan Sri Limkokwing. He has established this magnificent institution in Botswana,” he said.
He commended the University on its hand-on education system and its habit of continually giving back to the community, applauding the effort in opening its doors to people with disability, hence giving them an opportunity to a better future.
“Apropos inclusiveness, of delightful note is Limkokwing University’s bold step to establish a Special Education Unit which caters for students with disabilities.”
In receiving the award, Dr Kedikilwe said he was honoured that Limkokwing University recognized his contributions to Botswana and chose him to bestow the award upon.
“The Governing Council had an array of potential candidates to choose from. I therefore consider it a special honour that the mettle of honour has been placed on me. My oratory eludes me today,” he said.
The Honorary Doctorate comes well deserved to a man such as Dr Kedikilwe. He completed a degree in Political Science at University of Connecticut, Storrs, followed by a Masters in Development Economics and Public Administration from Syracuse University in New York.
He spent the next four decades dedicating his life to Botswana, starting in civil service, working his way up to a Permanent Secretary. His hard work saw his rise to Director of Public Service Management in the office of the President of Botswana where he served till 1983. When he entered politics and was elected Member of Parliament, he successfully held the position in the next elections, while holding various Minister of different departments over the years.
In August 2012 he took Oath as the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana. His efforts in serving Botswana have been recognized locally and abroad, in 1992 Botswana awarded him the Presidential Order of Honour, and in 2011 the Emperor of Japan presented him the country’s highest award- The Grand Cordon of the Order of the rising sun.
His recognition by Limkokwing University follows that of many other great leaders world-wide. The University has over the years made it a habit to recognize and honour those leaders who have shown devoted commitment and hard work in their discipline. Some of the world leaders who have been awarded a Limkokwing Honorary Doctorate include: late former South African president Nelson Mandela, Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Dr Mohd Najib Tun Razak, the King of Swaziland His Majesty King Mswati III, and many more.
In Botswana, Dr Kedikilwe becomes the third leader to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Limkokwing University, following former President Festus Mogae, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities 2008, and former Minister of Education and Skills Development; Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Human Capital development in 2012.