Ms Kebakile spoke on the sidelines of two events organized by Year 4 students under Bachelor of Office Management (BOM) program recently as part of their Coursework.

The course provides learners with the necessary skills to effectively plan, organize, and execute events using recognized methodologies and best practices. Its hands-on nature allows students to engage with real-life challenges, strengthening their ability to develop creative and practical solutions.

Special Education and Inclusive Education awareness

The first group of students organized the event under the theme: Special Education and Inclusive Education which aimed at raising awareness about persons with disabilities, featuring key speakers from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, specifically from the Department of Learner Support Services, who shared policies on guidance, counseling, and special education.

The theme focused on challenging societal perceptions of individuals with disabilities, further promoting inclusion. The deeply moving event featured authentic testimonies from individuals living with disabilities as they shared personal stories of being misunderstood or underestimated during everyday life, also highlighting the importance of focusing on ability rather than limitation. One speaker, who is visually impaired, shared his inspiring journey of earning a postgraduate degree in the United States and continuing to make significant professional contributions.

Director from the Department of Learner Support Services, also keynote speaker Mr. Shingile Malibala shared insightful presentation which defined special educational needs and disability; various types of special educational needs; methods of identifying learners with such needs; placement process for learners requiring specialized support; and factors influencing placement and integration decisions.

𝐃𝐢𝐤𝐠𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

The second group of students chose Dikgafela, a traditional Setswana harvest celebration as it provides a rich cultural foundation, allowing them to illustrate all event planning components with clarity and relevance.

Mr. Moutlwaditse from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture delivered the keynote address during the event. Two students, Mr. Mogomotsi Ramonna, who represented a traditional leader in full regalia, and Ms. Mogopa, who portrayed an honorable councilor for the occasion, participated in the proceedings. Ms. Mogopa concluded the event with a formal vote of thanks.

Making an overall observation of the two events, Ms Kebakile said students fully applied the Events Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK) framework, demonstrating both theoretical understanding and practical proficiency. Their teamwork, creativity, and execution reflected a strong mastery of the “how-to” approach emphasized in the module.

“This was an exemplary effort worthy of high commendation,” she emphasised.

The two events were attended by various stakeholders, including IDM lecturers, staff, and members of the Marketing and PR department. The audience provided an ideal academic and professional platform for evaluation.