NEWSLETTER - BITRI · 8-9th December 2016. The forum theme was “Igniting Conversations about Science”. One of the key objectives of the forum was to create a platform for debate

NEWSLETTER2017 | Issue 1

INSIDE

Botswana To Brace For A Wild Fire Season This Year

Dr Sesae Mpuchane - The Female Pioneer in Science

Purify Water through Nanotechnology

BITRI Stakeholder Engagement On The Development Of The Rapid Test For Foot-And-Mouth Disease

Bridging the Gap Between Science, Business and Society in the SADC Region

BITRI Hosts Its Inaugural Open Day

Women in STEM @BITRI

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Editor's note

Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) joins the rest of the world in honouring and celebrating women during the month of March, designated as Women’s Month and in commemorating International Women’s Month on March 8th. As such, this edition of the newsletter is dedicated to all women, particularly those in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and those who are within our ranks at BITRI.

The theme for the 2017 International Women’s day is #BeBoldForChange and it calls on to help forge a better world that is more inclusive, gender equal through championing women’s education, celebrating women’s achievement, challenging bias and inequality as well as forging women advancement and campaign against violence. These are the ideals that we also believe in and stand for at BITRI.

To attest to our proclamation, we have recruited a significant number of women into our labour force, especially in the positions of Researchers within the science and technology sphere. Science and technology are fundamental to assuring humanity’s welfare and enabling continued improvements in length and quality of life, as evident in the scope of research and development that is conducted at BITRI. Yet there are shortages in developed and developing countries alike of the requisite skills. As a call to address the skills shortage in science and technology, science and engineering organizations, Governments, and civil society institutions have increasingly recognized the global need for a larger science and technology workforce in general and for women’s full presence in it in particular. At BITRI, the women Researchers, together with their male counterparts, possess qualifications, skills and different levels of experience in the STEM profession and it is our hope and desire that their right to a choice of career and advancement, thereof, is actively supported by all and no glass ceilings are constructed to limit their potential. BITRI will endeavour to ensure that it acknowledge and reward their work, enhance their skills and knowledge in the field as well as help them see their contributions not just as part of fulfilling the Mandate of BITRI, but also as part of a broader mission within Botswana, the region, Africa and the world at large.

We at BITRI believe in the maxim that human potential, regardless of gender is infinite. Women Scientists at BITRI take on various levels of responsibilities and some have been designated to lead projects of significance and strategic value to the organization and the country. The articles in this newsletter show an expression of deep gratitude and some snippets into some of the private and professional lives of the women Scientists nominated and may find resonance with a lot of

EDITORIAL TEAM

MISSION

To conduct needs-based technology research that provides sustainable innovativesolutions through

co-creation and collaboration

VISION

To be the leading technology solutions provider that

transforms lives

VALUES

CreativityProfessionalism

Team WorkPeople-Centric

BITRI newsletter Issue 1 20172

women in STEM and those in other professions, especially the traditionally male-dominated fields. The women scientists at BITRI fuel our pride and passion. All power to them and BITRI salutes them.

Yet, we should not forget other women scientists in Botswana who make impactful discoveries and advancement in science and technology space. We, of course, have a story on Professor Sesae Mpuchane, one of the few distinguished luminaries in STEM and she offers some inspirational anecdotes and opens up doors for women in STEM and those with aspirations to get into the field to knock on her door.

It is always challenging to organize a newsletter with diverse articles into a cohesive unit. One of the exciting articles in this newsletter focuses on developing solutions that are created from a diagnostics perspectives with the view to solve agriculture challenges. The piece on the Rapid Test Tool Kit for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that we have developed in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other stakeholders. This kit, after the validation stage is completed, will be able to detect the FMD on the spot and thus improve preliminary screening durations as well as reporting time, therefore providing accurate test results to farmers, most who have operations far from established laboratories.

We invite you to engage with this edition and ruminate on how the role of women and girls in society and STEM can be leveraged.

To all the women at BITRI and the rest of the world, let us view the commemoration of this Month as a time to recognize the role of women in the advancement of society and support the ambitions and dreams of a girl child in STEM, for a better future for all.

Thank you

Bathsheba B. Mbongwe

Chief Editor: Bathsheba MbongweEditor: Lesego MoribameContent: Frank RakgomoPictures: Frank Rakgomo

Design & Layout by Yelloegg

BITRI exhibited at the annual Science Forum South Africa which began immediately after the dialogue from 8-9th December 2016. The forum theme was “Igniting Conversations about Science”. One of the key objectives of the forum was to create a platform for debate on the role of STI in society and promoting partnerships. The South African Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, speaking on Morning Live during the event, said “Public engagement in science technology and innovation creates opportunities to communicate research findings and limitations. It also allows the scientists to deal with questions from the greater public on how scientific interventions will impact society. ”BITRI participated with the aim of interacting with players in the STI field, creating awareness about BITRI and share experiences. The most common themes that permeated the exhibitions were energy and climate change. The forum brought together actors in social sciences and humanities in a bid to

reconcile how scientific inventions and innovations impact on the lives of communities and the development of Africa.

On another issue, BITRI participated in the Science Business Society Dialogue in Pretoria from 5 -7 December 2016. The purpose of the Science Business Dialogue was to create participants’ understanding of the different roles science, business and society play in developing economies and also to share experiences. The idea was to create a fora where regional challenges could be discussed in an interactive way as well as discuss a variety of successful Science Business Dialogue models, to serve as an inspiration for possible new projects that link science, business and society. Officially opening the dialogue Prof. Barney Pityana, Secretary General of the Network of African Science Academies said Africa has no shortage of skills, plans and policies, but the problem lies with implementation. He said there is often a divorce from science, society and business


Bridging the Gap Between Science,Business and Society in the SADC Region

BITRI Chief Executive Officer Prof Nelson Torto, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology Dr. Theophilus Mooko,

BITRI Parternships and Communications Manager, Ms Lesego Moribame and Deputy Director – Department of Research, Science and Technology Ms Boitumelo

Sekhute-Batungamile were part of the Botswana delegation attending the 2016 Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) .

Botswana To Brace For A Wild Fire Season This Year

BITRI Lead Researcher in Climate Change Prof. Nnyaladzi Batisani says the nation should brace itself for wild fires this season. Prof. Batisani said with the heavy rains that the country has received so far, and more expected up to March, this agricultural season will result in vast tracts of biomass that act as fuel for veld fires. Prof. Batisani added that this scenario will lead to outbreaks of veld fires, thus, reversing the gains in grazing conditions leading to artificial livestock and wildlife drought. He advised that it is crucial that farming communities and other stakeholders prepare for the coming fire season that starts on the 31st May to 31st October. The preparations should include the construction of firebreaks along farm boundaries and the division of property into blocks/camps by making use of firebreaks. Prof. Nnyaladzi Batisani noted that no fireguard will stop a fire in all conditions, but firebreaks will enable farmers and other stakeholders to fight fires or to counter them.


Dr Sesae Mpuchane The Female Pioneer in Science

P rofessor Sesae Felicity Mpuchane was born on October 21, 1949 in Benoni, South Africa. Her family relocated to Swaziland during her

childhood and her mother, who was a Biology teacher influenced her vocation as a Professor of Microbiology. Prof Mpuchane has a BA in Biology from the Barnard College of Columbia University, a Master’s Degree in Microbiology from Ohio University and a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. She has a very impeccable CV – a thirty-five year stint as a lecturer in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Botswana (UB) – which she joined when it was still called the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland and amongst her achievements is having been part of a committee that developed the science faculty at UB; being coordinator of the UB-Women in Science project which was aimed at encouraging school girls to pursue careers in sciences; chairing the task force that discussed the establishment of the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) and then serving as the institution’s Founding Executive Chairperson for the first two years of its development; serving Chairperson of the Associated Fund Administrators (AFA); and also having been Chairperson of the Pan-African Ghana-based NGO African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).


However, Prof Mpuchane takes utmost pride in having served as the Head of the Biological Sciences Department for three years before being promoted to the Dean of the Faculty of Science and serving for five years; as well as ascending to Associate Professorship in 1998, culminating in her becoming a full Professor in 2007. She recently addressed a BITRI Public Seminar on the topic “Women in Science and Technology – Where Do We Stand” in which she gave insight on involvement of women in STEM with profound educated insight. We took time to converse with this distinguished intellectual.

Q: To the world, you are Professor Sesae Mpuchane, an accomplished academic who has published widely and facilitated greater involvement of women in science, including the mentoring and development of interest in science of schoolgirls and young women. Please introduce yourself and give people a slice of who you are as an individual?

A: Sesae Mpuchane is a mother, wife, mentor, Microbiologist and fellow of the Botswana Academy of Sciences and a retired academician who is now involved in community work. I am also a happy babysitter and coach to my granddaughters.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to become a doctor or a teacher.

Q: What career options seemed open or closed to you?

A: All career options were open. I worked hard and was lucky to have been a first class student all the way to my O level. I won a Norwegian bursary for my O level after topping the 3 protectorates in Junior Certificate and an American Scholarship for my first degree. Those days, we were few and there was little competition for options once one had performed well.

Q: How was it growing up as a girl during your times?

A: It was tough. As the eldest daughter, one had to take care of younger siblings. I got burnt on my hand at the age of eight while preparing breakfast for my siblings. House chores were plenty but I learnt a lot through those responsibilities (cooking, baking, sewing, gardening etc.)

Q: How is it the same or different for the girl child in this day and era?

A: It depends on the environment in which they grow up. There is some difference between rural and city environments. Urbanised kids tend to be more vocal in protesting what they perceive as unjust or unequal treatment depending on gender. These days, many of our young girls tend to be less domesticated. In many rural settings, young girls still go through the same treatment as we did… focussing on domestic chores.

Dr Sesae Mpuchane at her home...


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Q: Who have been your role models and what about them do you admire?

A: My Mom. She was a Biology /Mathematics teacher in high school. She was also a great housewife and avid gardener. Every cookery session turned into a Biology lesson for me whether we were looking at roots (carrots), tubers (potatoes), and so forth. When we prepared fish or meat, I would be told about the various parts of the animal. While gardening, I had lessons on the various plants and their adaptations. It was great.

Q: You are a role model to many; who is your role model?

A: Professor Lydia Makhubu, the former Vice Chancellor of University of Swaziland. She was committed to dealing with the plight of women in Science. She challenged their underrepresentation and attacked general issues of discrimination of women. She was unstoppable and continues to fight this cause from her wheelchair after suffering a stroke.

Q: You have one of the unique stories in that your husband supported you in pursuing your career in science; would you care to elaborate on that?

A: I will be forever grateful for my husband’s undying support. He took care of my two children (then, 1 and 4 years old) when I went to the UK for my PhD. He also supported me financially when I had to attend inadequately funded (or unfunded) Scientific conferences and workshops all over the world. In addition, he assisted in various house chores to enable me to focus on my work.

Q: What in your life has brought you the greatest fulfilment?

A: Getting a good education and working up the ladder in my career and recognition as one of the founding Fellows of the Botswana Academy of Sciences. I was also blessed by having raised three wonderful children. Working with orphans (SOS Children’s Village) and with African women (6 years with the AWDF) and seeing the impact of some of the activities in many African countries are some of highlights of my life.

Q: Why do you believe gender equality is important in STEM?

A: Women have a lot to offer in research and development. There are more women than men and we cannot afford

the brain drain created by exclusion. Women are also more creative and come up with more practical solutions to inventions. Including women would result in Botswana being more competitive in its innovations.

Q: How can we, as a society, do to get women involved and highlight their achievements in STEM?

A: From a young age, we need to expose them to mentors and to improve teacher education so that the best Science approaches are used. We needs to make teachers sensitive to the needs of women in Science and also to do away with gender stereotypes and biases against women.

We could use of all kinds of media to highlight contributions of women. Society could, furthermore, encourage women to showcase their stories and also reward women’s achievements. We should encourage Research and Development by women through grants.

Q: Can you share a few stories on women who have made significant impacts in STEM that people would not ordinarily know about?

A: I always tell people than women are no strangers to Science. After all, traditionally, women engaged in numerous scientific activities. For instance in the art of brewing, one needs knowing how to produce a consistent product and this required an understanding of yeast starter cultures and their time and temperature dependency.

One also needs to possess knowledge of plants in traditional medicines, and that in itself is part the field of indigenous knowledge systems. In addition, basketry and house designs require an appreciation of geometry.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for any women wishing to pursue a career in STEM?

A: My parents always told us…’ Work and Pray’.......Those words stuck in my mind and guide me to this day. I would tell them ‘Go for it!’ Work hard and show the world that women can do STEM. There are institutions such as Third World Organization For Women In Science (TWOWS), AWIS, Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, SADC and NEPAD that help women in STEM.

In addition, since I am now retired, I have time to mentor young girls who want to follow STEM careers and all they can do is contact me.


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...FROM PAGE 3adding that often scientists keep to themselves forgetting that for their researches to be successful there needs to be understanding in society and business.

Prof. Pityana elaborated that science is a necessary component of development and as such businesses play a crucial role in technology uptake and funding. He noted that if there is no buy-in on a technology by society that particular technology will not go far. He, therefore, advised that it was important that scientists, businesses and society meet often to discuss issues of mutual interest. The emphasis at the dialogue was that there should be co-development of technologies by society, engineers, researchers and communities amongst others. The meeting heard that innovations should be driven by evolving societal needs as research not only addresses today’s challenges but also anticipates tomorrow’s challenges.

The Dialogue was organized by South African’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

Neo, Phatsimo and Ngonye

Q: Please introduce yourself and give people a slice of who you are as an individual?

NM: I am Neo Mokgolodi. I work as a researcher at BITRI under the Nanomaterials Division. I grew up in a family of all girls and I am a mother to a girl child. I have worked as a curator at the National Botanical Garden and as a natural resources officer at the Department of Environmental Affairs. PM: My name is Phatsimo Gimamah Matshediso and I am the

first born of a family of three children.

NK: I am a Natural Product Chemist who graduated with a PhD in Chemistry at University of Botswana in 2015. My current research projects entails polymer functionalization and electrospinning into nanofibers membranes for application in water purification especially for microbe removal. My previous research entailed isolation, characterization and screening plant extracts and isolates for antimicrobial activities. I also carried out some synthetic work on heterocyclic chemistry.

Q: Where did you go to school and what were your favourite subjects?

NM: I completed my Cambridge at Matsha College in 1994 and acquired BSc (Biology and Environmental Science), Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology teaching) and MSc (Environmental Science) from the University of Botswana and a PhD (Botany) from Beijing Forestry University.

PM: I finished my Cambridge in 1998 at Moshupa Senior Secondary. I actually liked English as a subject. I used to get prizes regionally for debate so efforts of learning it were rewarding. Also I had no choice but to like it because Cambridge dictated that you pass it so that one can get a good overall grade. That time you could do well in all subjects but should you

Neo Mokgolodi, Phatsimo Matshediso and Ngonye Keroletswe form part of the Nanomaterials Division which focuses on three research areas

namely; Filtration, Diagnostics and Speciality Chemicals.

They are part of a team that researches on finding solutions to fabricating filter materials to solve the issue of improving the safety of potable water, developing reliable and adaptable diagnostic test kits a well as helping Botswana to leverage its mineral wealth though a process of adding value to minerals before exporting, or mineral beneficiation as articulated in common discourse.In the next few pages, we get to learn about their professional and personal lives and what drives them in their work.


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BITRI WOMEN IN

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STEM

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BITRI newsletter issue 2 2016

fail the subject, you would not make it to tertiary.

NK:I graduated with a B.Ed. (Science) degree, majoring in Chemistry from the University of Botswana. My favorite subject at the time was Organic Chemistry. I was and still am very much fascinated with the study of the structure, properties, composition, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. That curiosity is now fulfilled by the work I do here at BITRI, where I carry out polymer syntheses for fabrication of nanofibers membranes. I then went on to do my M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry and eventually my PhD in Chemistry, still at the University of Botswana.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

NM: There is a shortage of healthcare workers in developing countries like ours, and as such I grew up aspiring to be a medical doctor to heal people and be of service to my country. I believe it is a privilege to be able to directly help people by taking away their pain.

PM: I wanted to pursue a career in Law because I was a good at debate at school and I liked public speaking.

NK: I was torn between becoming a dietician/ doctor as I wanted to help people with health problems and a pilot as I was curious about how it would feel to fly..

Q: What is your role at BITRI and how do you think your work will impact on society?

NM: I am part of the water filtration team whose aim is to come up with affordable, point of use nanofiber filters which can be used to remove impurities such as microbes, heavy metals and odour from water. The success of this project will offer Batswana, more especially those living in rural areas where we do not yet have water treatment infrastructures, access to safe drinking water.

PM: I do research on the plant species Moringa to investigate how best it can be employed for water purification technologies. There is significant shortage of potable water in the country and hence its vital that research is geared towards addressing the problem. I am glad to mention that my MSc research work has paved way for products such as Moringa, water and yoghurt which are currently awaiting commericalisation in South Africa.

NK: I am a Researcher belonging to Water filtration team under the Nanomaterials section. I have been mandated with chemically modifying polymers and polymer nanofibers membranes for application in filtration of microbes from water.

Q: What have been some of the greatest, collective lessons from women you have worked with?

NM: Although work – life balance is an issue for both men and women, women relatively bear a heavier burden in achieving and maintaining a healthy professional and family life balance. I have learnt that the women I tend to emulate tend to have an edge over men when it comes to juggling professional goals and family demands.

PM: I have interacted with different women with their different approaches to issues of life. I have learnt that you have to believe in yourself as that will generate inner strength that one needs in order to thrive in difficult times and also to embrace individuals as they are. One needs survival skills for the world can get rough. Also you cannot run from the fact that whatever you do, even with minimal resources, do it with deligence and passion, the results will speak volumes about you.

NK: Encouragement and support for each other as women in STEM is very important.

Q: Who have been your role models and what about them do you

admire?

NM: My selfless, humble hardworking parents have played a great role in shaping me into the person that I am today. They never had any formal job but they overcame many obstacles to support and guide my social and academic development. My teachers have also been the greatest influential and life-changing role models throughout my academic life.

PM: I admire and appreciate different qualities in different people, there are people who have gone all the way out despite the odds, have endured a lot to get where they are, that I admire, some are very successful and still humble, that I admire, some strengths are the fact that they just never give up.

NK: I have always looked up to my mother; she has been my source of inspiration and motivation. She devoted her time to raising us up as a single parent after my father`s passing on even though she was only 40 at the time. She taught me that hard work always pays.

My other role model is Dr Unity Dow, the first Motswana woman to win a court case against government of Botswana in 1992. I thought to myself, wow! Women have capabilities to change the world.

Q: What were the positive and negative stereotypes that you have had to encounter in your career?

NM: In general, stereotypes that exist in our society are that (i) STEM is regarded as a masculine pursuit and as such girls and women that excel in STEM fields are considered unfeminine. They are socially conditioned to put home before career and have domestic ambitions such as becoming a housewife and mother and subsequently serve as the primary caregiver. However, women such as Professor Sheila Tlou and Dr Unity Dow have proven, in other demanding fields, that having a family and a successful career is attainable. Despite the existing barriers, more female scientists are increasingly assuming positions of power, owing to STEM action programmes aimed at identifying the legislative and policy changes required to accomplish gender equity.

PM: On a lighter note, girl scientists are not good looking.

NK: The negative type would be the belief that Science is for men. On the bright side, you tend to being marvelled at as a female scientist.

Q: What in your life has given you the greatest fulfilment?

NM: I give thanks to the Almighty God for having been able to successfully complete my studies. This has accorded me the basics for further knowledge and skill development to adapt to changing work and life demands.

PM: Being a STEM Botswana nominee 2015 for International Visitor leadership programme was such an eye-opener and has contributed immensely to my life firstly as a human being, then as a career woman. I recently made it to the top 70 finalist of Botswana 50 change makers. That was close hey, and I am grateful to have made it to that far.

I take pride in the fact that I have adopted Debaters club at Mmanana CJSS, in Moshupa, my home village and we have won a few trophies since my relationship with them .I have partnered with Marang CJSS here in Gaborone and USA Embassy to be head on with in issues of STEM, to nurture the potential as a tender age of students at Junior secondary. It is a good feeling to see how just a minute effort or contribution can impart a life long skill on a child and they succed with it. NK: Knowing that there is a God in heaven who loves me so dearly.


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KS: I am a young lady aged 24. I graduated with bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Botswana in 2015. Currently I am an Associate Researcher in the field of Climate science in BITRI’s Climate Change Division.

I am the only child of a single mom, raised by a devoted Christian grandmom. She made me the lady that I am today. I am generally kind, cheerful and God-fearing. I am one self-motivated individual, quite meticulous and I rejoice in goals being achieved. One other character that describes me is innovation; I like exploring new things hence my passion for the work I do (research).


KS: I attended both my primary and junior schools in Mabule (my home village) and went for a boarding school in Goodhope Senior Secondary School. I completed my first degree at UB in 2015 and looking forward to pursuing an MPhil in the field of climate science. My favourite subject have always been Mathematics from a young age.


KS: I wanted to be an instrumentation engineer. Because I learnt that its one field that is calculation intensive (requiring accuracy and innovation). This profession requires hands on (and laboratory work), of which I really enjoy. Solving mathematical problems has always been my passion from a young age.


KS: As an Associate Researcher in the Climate Change field, my work entails a wide range of climate science analysis, among others, weather and climate data analysis for trend and extreme events, quantifying uncertainties in climate predictions and climate data analysis using simulations models and statistical concepts. I am working on a project titled: Hedging Dryland Crop Income Against Climatic Risks: Optimal Options Under A Changing Climate. The main objective of this project is to

Khumo Semang

Khumo, Karabo, Ludo, Ngonye, Kitso, Phatsimo, Lucia, Neo and Prisca


The Climate Change Division at BITRI focuses on understanding the impact of climate change on Botswana’s agriculture,

water resources and health sectors; such as the risks of droughts, extreme weather events, increasing temperatures, vector borne disease out-breaks and changes in water availability. This understanding is done through improving climate science and impact assessments, and incorporating the views of local communities and decision-makers on potential adaptation responses to climate impacts.

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develop robust crop insurance modalities in the phase of a changing climate. Its product is anticipated to be a suitable tool that the Government of Botswana can use to help large scale dry-land farmers hedge against climate related losses. This tool can also be an advantageous policy to insurers. This is a glimpse of how Climate Change division’s projects produce technology solutions with a positive impact on society.

Q: Who have been your role model and what about them do you admire?

KS: Since I got to BITRI, Dr Reason Machete (my supervisor) and has since been my role model. He doesn’t only hold a DPhil in Applied Mathematics from University of Oxford, UK (one of the world’s top universities) but his passion for Applied Mathematics is amazing. He fully applies his mind in respect to using Mathematical concepts in the field of Climate Change. He is also a hard worker, very confident in what he does and he is always thinking outside the box. He is the first Dr of Applied Mathematics I have seen working in climate science field and he is one of the few in the world.


KS: I have always heard that Mathematics is a difficult subject and not most women can do it. I did it anyway, and I am still standing to prove this perception wrong.

Q: Why do believe in gender equality is important in STEM?

KS: I disagree with the perception that males are better placed in STEM (that is, they more intelligent) than females. I may admit that there are more in numbers than females in this field but that does not mean the few females there are less capable than males.

Perhaps females are discouraged by the stereotype that STEM subjects are difficult .It may also mean that there are other social factors contributing to them less performing in this field. But everything else being equal, both males and females have an equal opportunity to succeed in STEM. Then, this calls for more females to be encouraged to do Science and Maths from elementary education level and to pursue vocations in the field.

Q: What words of wisdom anyone, whether in your personal or professional life, has shared with you?

KS: My supervisor, Dr Machete has a couple of wise sayings, but, this one stands out for me: ‘Research is to see what everybody else has seen, but to think what nobody else has thought.’ The expression emphasizes that innovation, which is basically the main purpose of research, as the name says (RE-search: meaning searching again) but thinking of new better solutions to what was left un-attended. This is why researchers will refer to literature, we read what former researchers have found and we either amend or add onto what already exist, just now with innovative thinking and towards providing solutions to current and future problem issues.


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Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI), Climate Change Division has validated a way to measure rain from cellular phone

signals. BITRI Senior Researcher - Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events Science and Risk Analysis, Dr Reason Machete, who is leading the study said the research was prompted by the fact that measurements of rainfall are still lacking over some parts of the country despite the fact that such data is critical for creating accurate weather forecasts and for managing water and agricultural resources. He was presenting at a BITRI seminar at Avani Hotel in Gaborone on Tuesday 7 March. His presentation titled “Can you Hear Me Now? How Cellphone Towers Help us Measure Rainfall” showed that many areas of the country lack good rain gauge networks. When this new BITRI technology is fully rolled out, precipitation intensity maps across the entire country at almost real time will be constructed; an indispensable input to flood forecasting. Since 2015, researchers at Climate Change Division have been exploring ways to measure rainfall from cellular communication radio signals. “Our cellular phones send frequent radio signals from transmitting antennas to receiving antennas, and rain can interfere with those signals. When it’s raining, the raindrops absorb a portion of the radio wave and scatter some of its energy. This attenuation of the radio signals grows stronger as the number and size of raindrops increases. Hence, we can reconstruct rainfall data across a given area simply by knowing to what extent radio signals were attenuated between cell phone towers” said Dr Machete, lead researcher for the study. Welcoming the guests to the seminar the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education Research, Science and Technology, Dr Theophilus Mooko said Climate variability and change are serious challenges to sustainable development. He said climate change brings floods and droughts as recently Botswana battled with the tropical storm Dineo whilst early last year we were battling drought with Gaborone Dam drying up. Dr Mooko said climate fluctuations are a serious challenge that have capacity to

Potential to Measure Rain Using Cellphone Signals

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KH: I am an outgoing person, kind, very considerate, a free soul, go-getter. I am also very energetic and always doing something. I value family but I consider myself as a career woman and I don’t give up easily on things I strongly believe in. I believe in order to succeed you don’t necessarily need to be intelligent but rather hardworking. I have an MSc and bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Botswana.

PD: A God-fearing woman, enthusiastic, self-motivated and established engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Engineering. I appreciate God a lot in my life and I believe all is possible when you trust the almighty. The sky is the limit…


KH: Since I get bored easily, I wanted something that allows me to work with my hands, but, also allows a lot of critical thinking and problem solving, I love producing artefacts, so, I was interested in any career related to that. When I completed my first year at UB, I heard of this new course called “Computer Information Systems.” I started googling it and instantly fell in love with it, hence, my career choice, which I never regretted. My mother thought I would make a great teacher since I was good at explaining and demonstrating concepts.

PD: I wanted to become a doctor; it looked lucrative by then and my mum played a role in me developing curiosity towards the field.

Q: What career options seemed open or closed to you?

KH: I was not good at Languages especially English so all business related courses seemed all closed to me.

PD: I qualified for all programs at the University of Botswana but I chose Engineering after I realised that being a doctor was not my calling.


KH: My role at BITRI as an Associate Researcher is to help come up with research and technology that can help improve the lives of Batswana. My combination of qualifications gives me a fair advantage in reaching this goals. A combination of MSc and bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems) allows me to fully explore educational technology by combining pedagogy and information technology to come up with educational technology systems.

The project our team is working on, which is a mobile tutoring application is not only about showcasing IT skills and design skills but an example of how technology can be used to improve learning in the classroom. The application enhances advanced learning technology by combining physical hardware and associated methodologies in learning. Part of this project which is adaptive learning and data analytics is my PhD study.

I am a young researcher still learning the ropes, but I am proud to say I was part of the team that started LINKZ ICT by Botho University challenge in Botswana. This is one of the big ICT challenges in the country that bring together all tertiary schools as well as secondary schools to compete by show casing their projects in different areas like mobile applications development, database design, Paper presentation etc. I shall forever thank Botho University for providing me with an innovative environment.


Karabo Hamu and Prisca Dube are part of

the Information Systems and Technology

Division Team at BITRI. They are a part

of a team of ten (eight being male) and their

division works to improve processes efficiencies

in all economic sectors including, but not limited

to government departments, parastatals, Non-

Government Organizations and private companies

(established and start-ups).

Their lives are rooted in faith, passion and a drive

to succeed. We invite you as we delve into their

stories for insight.

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PD: We are aware that technology solves problems as well as improve solutions, the society is constantly seeking ways of doing things faster and better hence the need for my services. As an Associate Researcher in the Information Systems and Technologies division, I have been involved in the development of the software system that manages dynamic spectrum access and television whitespaces. It entails the Botswana National Geo-location Spectrum Database. This database is an important tool to identify available unused spectrum channels (white spaces), to enable the TVWS network and for TV spectrum management and incumbent protection against interference. This project will also add to the growing evidence that the GLSDB enabled TVWS technologies can utilize unused frequencies in the TV bands to offer high speed broadband connectivity without interfering with TV broadcasting using the DSA concept. This will influence the national communications regulator to develop regulations for these technologies.

Q: Why do believe in gender equality is important in STEM?

KH: Innovation and systems have no man or woman, all they need is brains. So it’s time we start working together as a team because we are all here to achieve a common goal, to make the world a better place.

PD: Change has to come from the grassroots; we need to afford the girl child or women the same opportunities given to men or boy child and encourage the girl child to do science-based subjects. The setup should be such that chores should not be allocated along gender lines, but rather,

we should encourage both genders to do similar jobs.

Q: What words of wisdom anyone, whether in your personal or professional life, has anyone shared with you?

KH: “See no evil, hear no evil.” If you want to succeed in whatever you are doing you must learn to focus and don’t be distracted by negative comments said to you or as well as the negative actions they take to make it impossible for you to achieve your goal. Just push forward, be strong, and stay focused because you have what it takes to make it.

PD: “The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

These are the words of wisdom that I lean to in my everyday life and indeed there have proved to be true.

Q: What have been some of the greatest, collective lessons from women you have worked with?

KH: As a woman scientist, it’s possible to balance career and family. I have seen other women doing great in this area. Being a scientist doesn’t mean that your life has to be boring.

PD: Forget about being a woman; focus on your strength and perform your duties very well.

Prisca with one of the ICTAssociate groups she supervises at the BITRI Kanye campus.


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LM: My name is Ludo Moroka. I am a wife, mother and electrical engineer.


LM: I went to the University of Botswana for my first degree. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree still at UB. My favourite subjects have always been physics and maths.


LM: I wanted to be a medical doctor because I have always felt I possess the love for people and compassion to make a great doctor.

Q: What career options seemed open or closed to you?LM: All career options have been open to me. My mother has always encouraged me to think outside the box and said I can do anything I put my mind to.


LM: I am an Associate Researcher in the Energy division. My main objective is to see lack of energy in our country being a thing of the past. It is important that people be educated of the different ways that energy can be generated and how they can contribute to the generation and effective use of energy in our country.

Q: Can you highlight some of your work that has have a positive impact on society?

LM: Currently the projects that I am involved in are at stages where positive impact has not been measured yet. However, with that said, positive impact is expected once implementation has taken place. As a member of the Energy division, most of the projects are with the aim to diversify the energy sources and manage usage of energy.

Q: Who have been your role models and what about them do you admire?

LM: My mother has always been my role model because she has never been afraid to pursue any of her dreams regardless of any discouragement she may get from other people. She believes that you can do anything you really want to do, even in what may be dubbed a man’s world!


LM: Some of the known negative are that ‘women cannot be engineers,’ women are too weak,’ and ‘women are too emotional for this job.’ The positive is that as a woman, you are more likely to pay attention to detail, be neater, for example, in wiring.

Q: What more do you think could be done to encourage more women into the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths?

LM: Education. STEM should be promoted as an option for all, not an option for men. Women should be encouraged tothink outside the box, women should be taught that they are strong, have mental capacity that can be compared to that of men. The girl child must not be kept away from hands on work outside the kitchen. STEM should be broken down and introduced as an opportunity for all, because anyone, even a woman, is perfectly capable.

Q: What have been some of the greatest, collective lessons from women you have worked with? LM: I have learnt from collegues that as a woman working in a male dominated field, you do not have to shut down the fact that you are woman. Do your job well, remain the person you are as a woman, you do not have to try to be a man to excel at your job.

Q: What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfilment?LM: Being able to juggle being a good mother, wife and professional all at once.

Q: What words of wisdom anyone, whether in your personal or professional life, has anyone shared with you?LM: Reach for the stars, if you fall at least you’ll land among the clouds.

Ludo Moroka


Ludo Moroka is an Electrical Engineer, a very uncommon qualification for women and female Scientists. She is part of the Energy division

which focuses on needs based research, development and adoption of renewable (clean energy) and non – renewable energy technologies for Botswana. In addition to research and development, the Division also offers training and consultancy on energy technologies.

Ludo is amongst a team of seven and she is the only female in the Division. Here is her story…

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BITRI hosted a public seminar on International World Water Day at Avani Hotel in Gaborone. Professor Benjamin S. Hsiao, a Distinguished Professor of

Chemistry and Co-founding Director of Innovative Global Energy Solutions Center was the guest speaker and the seminar topic was “Learning how to use agricultural waste to Purify water through nanotechnology.”

Prof Hsiao’s presentation focused on how biomass, which includes agricultural wastes and plants can be used as filter media to remove a variety of contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, viruses in order to purify water. Prof Hsiao also demonstrated, through the use of videos, how nanotechnology is being used to produce practical solutions for water purification in specific parts of the world.

Prof Hsiao also added that the advantages of using the plant derived water filters is that they are sustainable, more efficient, easy to clean, biodegradable and that less pressure is required to pass water across the filter, as compared to conventional filters. Conventional filters,

Using Agricultural Waste to Purify Water through Nanotechnology

usually require connection to conventional power sources, while the nanofiber water filters can use gravity since they are very porous and hence can be used in areas do not have access to electricity, as in some cases in rural parts of Africa. Head of Department of Chemistry at the University of Botswana, Professor Ishmael Masesane, in his Closing Remarks, thanked BITRI for having convened the seminar and implored all to recognize the importance of water and its conservation for the sustenance of life. He further urged stakeholders to hold International World Water Day in high regard as with other commemorative days, and to an audience comprised of senior diplomats, government officials, corporate executives and well as pupils, implored for inclusion of the youth and pupils in the agenda for water conservation and help them come up with solutions for present and future problem issues. The Water Utilities Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mmetla Masire, gave the Welcome Remarks. The BITRI Board of Directors, staff and private sector were also represented.

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Water Utilities Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mmetla Masire, giving the Welcome Remarks.

Head of Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Prof Ishmael Masesane, WUC CEO, Mr Mmetla Masire, Prof Hsiao, and BITRI CEO Prof Nelson Torto at the International World Water Day

Guest Speaker at the seminar, Professor Benjamin S. Hsiao, presenting on the topic “Learning how to Use Agricultural Waste to Purify Water through Nanotechnology.”

Some of the pupils attending the seminar.

A pupil from Gaborone Senior Secondary Schools among a groups of secondary school pupils and teachers attending the seminar.

BITRI newsletter Issue 1 2017 16

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education Research, Science and Technology, Dr Theophilus Mooko delivering the Welcome Remarks at the Climate Change seminar

Dr Reason Machete, Senior Researcher - Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events Science and Risk Analysis explaining a point during the Q&A Session.

The audience at all ears during Dr Machete’s presentation

A participant asking a question during the Q&A Session.

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destroy lives and livelihoods. “Timely provision of weather information at the appropriate spatial scale is crucial for both tactical and strategic decision making by various stakeholders such as farmers to aid their adaptation against climate change, water resources and ecosystems planning and management.” said Dr Mooko.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Mr Thabang Botshoma applauded the good work BITRI is doing and promised to avail assistance that Dr Machete’s team may need to carry out the research.

Dr Boitumelo Mudabuka holds a PhD degree in Chemistry from Rhodes University. Dr Mudabuka’s study was interdisciplinary and it involved the development of point-of-use and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests for biological molecules, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical Chemistry as well as nanotechnology. Her work on the FMD project, is a continuation of the work she did for her PhD and was motivated by the global trend to move away from the central laboratory testing concept to POC testing. With such a trend, the aim is to make health care to be more focused on the patient than the provider, to deliver less costly care closer to the patient and to improve health care through timely detection of infectious diseases.

The prototype, currently undergoing the validation stage, is being developed in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), should quickly detect Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the field, therefore, reducing turnaround times for FMD results.

Dr Boitumelo Mudabuka - the Project Lead for the Foot-and-Mouth-Disease Rapid Test Kit

FROM PAGE 11


BITRI Stakeholder Engagement On The Development Of The Rapid Test For Foot-And-Mouth Disease

The Botswana Institute for Technology Research Innovation hosted an Information Sharing Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on the

development and progress of a rapid Test for Foot-and-Mouth Disease prototype. The workshop was held on the 18th November, 2016 at Maun Lodge.

The prototype, which is being developed in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), should quickly detect Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the field. The prototype detects antibodies to non-structural proteins (NSP) of the FMD virus. Testing for these antibodies helps greatly in determining whether an animal has been exposed to the virus, regardless of its serotype, and helps differentiate infected from vaccinated animals. Both BITRI and CFIA acknowledge that the product is not final; further testing and validation are ongoing. If successful the rapid test will be instrumental in initial diagnostics to confirm suspected cases of FMD in the field. In addition it could be used to certify animals for trade.

The project was prompted by the need to come up with a prompt, sensitive and specific application that can out-rightly diagnose an animal with FMD in the field as the disease spreads rapidly. Laboratory specific techniques though reliable and accurate, may be a hindrance for early diagnosis in that samples have to be taken from the site of an outbreak to the laboratory. A rapid test at the field will allow for the timely implementation of control measures.When ready, the kit should be able to detect FMD in an animal within 25 minutes on site and immediately assist in monitoring the disease. This factor will significantly reduce the waiting period for results to come back from the laboratories, as in most cases these facilities are far away from the cattle posts.

The event was graced by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Dr Alfred Madigele, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi of Batawana, Senior Government officials and farmers.

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Project Lead Dr. Boitumelo Mudabuka presenting on the development of rapid test for foot-and-mouth-diseaseMinister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Dr. Alfred Madigele delivering the Keynote Address

Some of the affected cattle in the Ngami region

Kgosi Kealetile Moremi giving Welcome Remarks

Dr. G. Matlho, Managing Director Botswana Vaccine Institute, moderated at the event

Workshop Participants

Dr. K. Baipoledi, DPS Ministry of Tertiary Education Research Science and Technology mapping the way-forward


The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) opened its doors to the public on 9th November, 2016 to showcase its products and services. The open day was held at the BITRI Headquarters at Maranyane House.

BITRI is a Parastatal under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology. It was established in 2012 and its mandate is to identify, develop and/or adapt appropriate technology solutions that provides sustainable innovative solutions through co-creation and collaboration in line with national priorities and needs of Batswana. BITRI is situated at Maranyane House in Gaborone. It has other campuses in Gaborone as well as in Kanye and Palapye. BITRI also has land in Maun, where it hopes to establish a campus so as to provide equal opportunities for Batswana.

BITRI has two broad thematic research areas, being; Natural Resources and Materials and Technologies. Natural Resources and Materials has three areas of focus namely; Building Materials Science, Climate Change, and Nanomaterials. Under Technologies, the areas of focus are; Electronics and Communications, Energy as well as Information Systems and Technologies.

The Technologies department houses the ICT Associate programme through which ICT graduates are being trained on various aspects of entrepreneurship and further develop technologies for a duration of two years.

The purpose of the Open Day was to showcase BITRI’s technologies and products in the aforementioned focus areas of research and development and also to interact with the general public to highlight the importance of Science and Technology to national development. The day was also an opportunity for stakeholders to meet BITRI Researchers and Scientists and learn in-depth about BITRI services and programmes. During the Open Day, BITRI displayed various technologies that the institution is working on as well as those that are in the pipeline. Some of the technologies on display were the Kgalagadi Sand Building Block Technology, the Seding® solar streetlight, load management device and projects by ICT Associates.

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Participants got information about progress on the development of the FMD diagnotic kit and various studies being undertaken by the Climate Change division. Guests were taken on a guided tour of the KSBB plant at Maranyane House where there were shown the process of producing the KSBB. Another area guests had an opportunity to appreciate was the Electronics and Communications laboratory, where the version 2 Seding® solar light prototype is being developed and tested. The casing for the light is done in-house by the BITRI Design team. The Design team is also responsible for developing research outputs into tangible products and services.

The event was also an opportunity for BITRI to open its doors to the recently established world class Centre for Material Science which has been equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for materials fabrication and characterisation. The centre will serve the research needs as well as commercial materials analysis needs of Botswana and the region across a variety of sectors.

In his overview remarks about the organization, the BITRI Chief Executive Officer Professor Nelson Torto emphasized the importance of conducting needs- based research and development aimed at empowering and improving the livelihood of people as well as the role of research in contributing to economic development.

“At BITRI, we conduct research 12 months a year, and it is our belief that we can meet some of Botswana’s challenges. We can add value to Botswana’s minerals and help Government address some of the challenges. Our philosophy as an organization is that empathy is at the centre of what we do. We do it, for the people with the people, hence our tag line; Technology solutions: From you to us for you. At BITRI we don’t only collaborate, but we co-create with ourstakeholders. From all we do, we begin with the end in mind” said Professor Torto.

The event was graced by members of public, Ambassadors, Government officials, captains of industry, researchers, scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators among others.

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1. BITRI Board Chairperson, Dr Martin Kebakile

2. BITRI CEO, Professor Nelson Torto delivering the keynote address

3. BITRI Researcher explaining the Load Management device project

4. KSBB demo site at Maranyane House

5. BITRI ICT Associates explaining their projects

6. Delegates listening attentively at the opening ceremony

7. BITRI Researchers in the Centre for Material Science

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The BITRI Centre for Material ScienceThe Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) is a parastatal under Botswana’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, established with a Mandate to identify, develop and/or adapt appropriate technology solutions that provide sustainable innovative solutions through co-creation and collaboration in line with national priorities and needs of Botswana. The technologies will as much as possible maximize the use of local materials to ensure efficiency and affordability.

BITRI has established a world-class Centre for Material Science (CMS) with state of the art laboratory facilities, such as XPS, XRD, XRF, SEM, high resolution GC/MS, LC/MS and ICP/MS. The CMS has synthesis capabilities for metal nano particles, electrospun nano fibres and materials characterisation that will serve the research needs as well as the commercial materials analysis needs of Botswana and Africa across a variety of sectors.

BITRI invites all interested parties to use the facilities for a fee.

For more information, contact Thatayaone Tladi

[email protected] Telephone: (+267) 360 7619 Mobile: (+267) 77 537 379

Head Office: Maranyane House: Plot 50654, Machel Drive Gaborone, Botswana: Telephone: (+267) 360 7500 Fax: (+267) 360 7624Email: [email protected] Website: www.bitri.co.bw

Documents

NEWSLETTER - BITRI · 8-9th December 2016. The forum theme was “Igniting Conversations about Science”. One of the key objectives of the forum was to create a platform for debate