By:Tshegofatso Teseletso
One of the projects that the University prides itself with is the LAPA project which is a collaborative effort between the BIUST management and Student Representative Council.
The two parties’s commitment and dedication ensured the success of this project; which was envisaged to generate third stream income and be a place to go to for recreational purposes. Giving an overview of the project, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and administration Mr. Davis Tele explained that the project was instigated by the university management and student representative council with a view to set up an outdoor multi-use student facility or a recreational spot for leaners.
Funded in December 2021, he explained that the Student Representative Council designed the structure of the student LAPA, the simplicity of this building “stands to accommodate diverse events that will be hosted here.”Still on this note Mr.Tele explained that the phase two stage of the project was on
the pipeline and the vision was to improve the Lapa and ensure proper
management as well as utilisation.
The project was also supported by the BIUST Vice Chancelor Professor Otlogetswe
Totolo who officially handed over the project to student representative council
president Mr Kaone Nkwe.
”It is a great pleasure and honour to be standing here today to deliver another
milestone in our strive for an exceptional student experience – an outdoor multi-
use student facility appropriately called the Student Lapa”, said the elated BIUST
Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo as he officially handed over the
student LAPA to Mr Nkwe.
He explained that the Lapa would not only serve as a functional meeting place for
the BIUST community but would also give them an ambience and arrogance of
choice adding that students Lapa fit any occasion for Students’ fun and recreation.
“Delivering this project today adds to our efforts to enhance our Students’ learning
environment with complementing facilities,” he said. The renowned leader stated
that the importance of attending a University with breathtaking surroundings can
never be over emphasised adding “if learners are really going to thrive throughout
their university studies and stay, then they need to be in a comfortable, learner-
friendly environment.”
Professor Totolo shared his ambition to make this area a “special economic zone”
for student recreation and entertainment as it neatly complemented the envisaged
Student Centre as an extension of its outdoor wing for student activities.
“I therefore encourage you to meaningfully use this facility, take care of it, and
enjoy its proximity to your Student Residence. I further encourage you – Mr.
President- the Student Representative Council, and the whole Student body, to
start looking at our vast land as an available avenue for creative adventure and
leisure. Leisure activities like hiking, bush walks, mountain biking are some
examples that we may derive from the beauty and vastness of our land” he said.
He emphasised that activities should be done within the confines of the usual
campus etiquette, rules and regulations because it was a communal space that
must be shared by different students and student groupings.
In closing Mr. Kaone Nkwe appreciated the BIUST management team and student
representative council members for working tirelessly to ensure that the project
materialise successfully. Kaone alluded that aside from recreation the place would
cultivate entrepreneurial skills and generate more funds.