MINISTER CONGRATULATES AWARD RECEIVERS

This is the day the Ministry must celebrate as the Department of Science and Technology receives awards for the good developmental work in science and technology.
This, the Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Mr. Tšoinyana Rapapa said at the Appreciation Award ceremony held at the ministry’s premises on Friday.
Mr. Rapapa congratulated the Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Lefa Thamae and the Assistance Research Officer, Mr. Joshua Takalimane who received awards together, saying the award does not mean that they have already achieved but that they have made a good start and must drive them to work harder.
He said the fact that the Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association (LSMTA) has found it fitting to honour officials of this ministry is greatly appreciated and it is proof that the Department of Science and Technology is on the right track.
He said Mathematics, Science and Technology are mapping the way to innovation and the development of new products that can spearhead economic development, saying it has been documented that many countries are thriving economically not due to mineral resources but due to the research and innovation work.
He said today, the ministry is celebrating the Department of Science and Technology through the support of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) who through the support of the European Union have just completed a Research and Innovation Policy that will guide, support scientific research, innovation, and the development of new products.
Moreover, the Minister said this policy has already received concurrence from other stakeholder ministries and is due to be tabled before Cabinet soon.
He mentioned that this message is intended to encourage the LSMTA to continue the hard work of encouraging research and innovation among the youth.
He further said the efforts of the LMSTA are much appreciated, saying over the years, the organisation has been promoting creativity among learners through science fairs and that he has been informed that some of the Basotho learners’ projects have performed well in regional competitions held in South Africa.
He said mathematics contests that were held over the years also contributed to the learners’ interest in mathematics as they have made the subject enjoyable and not as scary as many perceive it to be.
“I know that things have not been easy as resources have not always allowed you to do all that you wished to do,” Mr. Rapapa said.
In conclusion, he stressed his appreciation for the collaborative work that LSMTA has done with the ministry, singling out LSMTA support for the annual science technology and innovation week.
Also speaking, the President of LSMTA, Mr. Justice Pheko congratulated the recipients, saying they have recognised their work as an organisation.
Mr. Pheko said this ceremony simple states that they have recognised the work that Mr. Thamae has done together with his colleagues, saying through his mentorship they were able to hold leading positions in their professions.
He said Mr. Thamae has a heart for innovation and teacher’s capacity building to name a few, saying he has always availed himself when he is needed when it comes to the above-mentioned areas.
He further mentioned that through his mentorship, LSTMA and TSD have formed a task force through Mr. Takalimane hence assuring the minister that the ministry’s mandate will be achieved under the leadership of Mr. Thamae.
He said LSMTA has reached some miles stone such as participating in local, regional and international competitions and have brought home several medals under his mentorship.
Receiving the awards, the Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Lefa Thamae thanked the Minister, LSMTA and his colleagues for this award, saying seeing that there are people who recognise their effort in promoting science and innovation in the country humbles them.
He said he never expected that one day, he too will receive such an award and for that he will forever be grateful.
He urged everyone to work hard in every respectful position they hold to deliver the best services.
The appreciation award was received by The Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Lefa Thamae and the Assistance Research Officer, Mr. Joshua Takalimane.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe