A Shared Legacy: ZOU Hails BOU’s New VC and Deepens Historic Ties

The Botswana Open University (BOU) made history on November 28, 2025, by inaugurating Professor Kgomotso H. Moahi as its second Vice Chancellor—and the first woman ever to hold the position in Botswana’s higher education sector. The momentous occasion, which also encompassed the university’s 8th Graduation Ceremony, was underscored by a powerful message of solidarity from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU).

From left: Prof Sheila Tlou, Chancellor for Botswana Open University, Prof Paul Gundani, ZOU VC, Prof Kgomotso Moahi, VC Botswana Open University and Charles Coyne, Chairperson of Council for Botswana Open University

Professor Emeritus Paul Henry Gundani, Vice Chancellor of ZOU, highlighted the profound symbolism of Professor Moahi’s appointment. He noted a shared pioneering spirit, recalling that ZOU’s own second Vice Chancellor, the late Professor Primrose Kurasha, was also the first woman to lead a university in Zimbabwe.

“ZOU and BOU are truly birds of a feather and should therefore flock together and attain greater heights in academia,” stated Professor Gundani in his congratulatory address.

This kinship is rooted in a deep, historical partnership. Professor Gundani emphasized that BOU is a direct “product of the Zimbabwe Open University/ Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (ZOU/BOCODOL) partnership,” a relationship dating back to April 2006.

Alongside the inauguration, the university celebrated its graduates under the theme, “Championing Economic Transformation Through Inclusive Lifelong Learning.” The ceremony, held at the Royal Aria Convention Centre in Tlokweng, honored the dedication of the students, their families, and supporters.

Professor Gundani pledged ZOU’s “continued and unwavering support” to both Professor Moahi and BOU, applauding the university’s critical work in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). He also offered his warmest congratulations to the graduating class, celebrating their hard-won success: “You dreamt, you strived and now you are there! Today is a great day for you and us all.”