12th October 2020
Own Correspondent
The Botswana Qualifications Authority(BQA) endeavours to enhance internal capacity especially processing of applications employing staff to reach the 155 employee quota required in the first two quarters of next financial year to improve operational efficiency. Stakeholder engagements, both internal and external, to build capacity will also be undertaken for the specific problem areas.
“Partnerships and networks will be maintained, or developed, to improve capacity and facilitate information sharing to ensure global competitiveness of Botswana’s education and training system. The Authority will also consider outsourcing some of its functions. Of key consideration is the deadline of the 2nd December 2020 for learning programmes,” said Botsalano Mosimakoko, Chief executive Officer of the Botswana Qualifications Authority(BQA).
She said, “The Authority engages subject matter experts to evaluate applications for registration and accreditation of ETPs, validation of qualifications, accreditation of learning programmes and recognition of Non-Credit Bearing Short Courses. The Authority will train more experts in different sub-fields and domains to augment the current pool.”
According to officials some misalignments in the BQA Act require legislative changes that have resulted in duplications and disharmony between the sectors of the economy and BQA. This has led to dissatisfaction among some BQA stakeholders. The Authority has undertaken to continue to engage the different stakeholders to address these challenges pending the review of the identified Acts.
There are also issues of inadequate financial resources at the regulator impeding it from adequately implementing its broad mandate, which affects implementation of the corporate strategy.
BQA will continue to explore alternative funding sources, prioritize projects and come up with effective cost saving measures.
Senior management officials said the failure to meet turnaround times was mainly due to inadequate human resource, processes and standards. The Authority continues to review its processes and criteria so that they are user-friendly and efficient. The funding and establishment of an integrated ICT system (at P17 million) will greatly improve service delivery and data management.
“There is a considerable number of applications that have not been paid for. The Authority has taken a decision to close and return applications which have not been paid for, 30 days after notification of client to pay,” said Mosimakoko.
