The Central University of Technology, together with Lerotholi Polytechnic, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho College of Education and Motheo TVET College, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of working together to transform the education system as well as to develop and design curriculum values inherent in Se-moshoeshoe.   

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the collaborative partnership would foster and facilitate the advancement of knowledge and the philosophy of king Moshoeshoe I and his legacy, not only to the Basotho nation but to the entire Southern African development community and the African continent. “Most importantly we need to find a way of integrating the Basotho history and the Se-moshoeshoe philosophy into our curriculum and forge collaborations with the higher education sector in Lesotho for purposes of advocating the development of Sesotho as the language of teaching, learning, and research. This approach is critical not only to preserve the language but also to forge cross-border collaborations for the entire higher education framework. Apart from the memorial lecture series there are a few initiatives that will be persuaded through the MoU, and that will include, among others, collaboration activities that are aligned to student and staff mobility, collaboration on research projects, joint curriculum development and the alignment of the programme and qualification mix, as well as the exchange of learning material. I hope that this signing will only be the beginning of greater things to come from this partnership.”

Prof. Spirit Tlali, Rector: Lerotholi Polytechnic, said they are excited to be part of the collaboration. He said the reason they decided to be part of the collaboration is that the idea of decolonisation of education goes beyond the historical part of education. “We felt it is a good thing to do because as a nation, this is the step towards the right direction.”

Prof. Dipiloane Phutsitsi, Principal: Motheo TVET College, said that higher education is a very highly contested terrain and to be talking about Africanness and decolonisation of education is an imperative move. “As an institution, our contribution with yours would go a long way. Our participation in this partnership would be along the lines of skills development, enhancing research and development, and knowledge contribution. This would also enhance the operations of both universities and colleges. Curriculum development and the exchange of learning material are part of the learning process,” she said.

Dr Dzimba, Rector: Lesotho College of Education, said “this issue of wanting to develop our curriculum into our language for the next generation to understand is important. This document must be a change in that we need to walk the talk as leaders. We are happy to be amongst the participating team, particularly in research and curriculum development. Of paramount importance, it will be appreciated that as we move forward, we will begin to write modules in Sesotho.”

Mrs Liteboho Maqalika-Lerotholi, Registrar: National University of Lesotho, said each university would benefit from the partnership. “As academics, we know how important it is to research and publish. Our research and publications will now focus on what we are and who we want to be. The Se-moshoeshoe campaign must now drive our curriculum and everything we do, including teaching and training.”

Caption

From left:  Prof. Spirit Tlali, Rector: Lerotholi Polytechnic, Prof. Dipiloane Phutsitsi, Principal: Motheo TVET College, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mrs Liteboho Maqalika-Lerotholi, Registrar: National University of Lesotho and Dr Dzimba, Rector: Lesotho College of Education.