2019 IDM graduation ceremony in Maseru, Lesotho

The Institute of Development Management (IDM) held its graduation ceremony in Lesotho on the 29th November 2019 where close to 1500 graduands were conferred degrees and awarded diplomas and certificates.
The event, which was attended by senior government officials from the three countries of Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini was themed ‘The Future awaits, Own it’ to ignite positive energy among graduates to look forward to a new chapter in their lives.
In attendance was the Eswatini Minister of Public Service, Christian Ntshangase, the Chancellor of University of Bolton who is also the Earl of St Andrews, IDM Board of Governors, IDM Partners among them University of Namibia, Dona@Balos School of Culinary Arts, Boitekanelo College, parents and the Academia.
When welcoming guests, the Regional Director of the Institute, Richard Malikongwa commended the graduands for the great stride towards a successful future and encouraged them to use the skills learnt to improve the lives of the people around them, including their families.
He reminded attendees of IDM’s role in playing a significant part in advancing economic development of the region through the provision of human resource capital, further recognising the vision of the founding fathers of the three nations who established the Institute.
When giving the keynote speech, Professor Thekiso Khati, an achieved professor of English Language and Linguistics and former Principal Secretary in Lesotho’s Ministry of Education informed graduands that they are the driving force behind the success of humankind. He urged them to innovate and bring Africa at par with developed world in so far as technology and digitisation is concerned.
Professor Khati encouraged them to have a deeper understanding of the synergy between education, learning and knowledge which are the key ingredients of fulfilling one’s future ideals.
On behalf of Class of 2019, Botswana Campus MSc graduate in Project management, Ms Bonolo Nkwe said: “We are now ready to take on the most challenging problems in the world. The best thing about IDM is that everyone is here to help you succeed, Class of 2019 we are testament to that. An IDM graduate does not need a second introduction no matter where you go. Such is the power of the IDM brand. Today on this very day I challenge you all to take an oath, to cherish the tradition of IDM, to cherish the diversity and the culture of IDM.”
Congratulating graduates, Dr Onalenna Seitio-Kgokgwe, Botswana Country Director thanked them for having been a part of their lives since the day they joined IDM. “It has been our joy overseeing your academic journey. Now that you have come this far, know that this qualification marks only a portion of your life portfolio and ambition.”
Serenading the ceremony, which ended with a colourful release of balloons and the flying of caps were Lesotho Correctional Service band and Serumula traditional dance group.