The Governing Body - Council

The Botswana Open University Council is constituted in terms of the BOU Act, No 13 of 2017 (Sec 10 (2). It comprises a total of 16 sixteen (16) members and currently has 15 in office. Council has in addition, co-opted a Student to Council in accordance with Sec 9 of the Act.

The role of Council is to provide oversight, approve policies, planning and set forth the strategic direction of the University.

Council is committed to the highest standards of governance, ethics and integrity. Council subscribes to the principles of good corporate governance and has a Council Charter in place that sets forth its terms of reference.

Members of Council: (See Pictures)

• • • Mr Charles I. Coyne (Council Chairperson)
    • Ms Festina S. Bakwena (Vice-Chairperson)
    • Dr Daniel R. Tau
    • Mr Kgopotso Ramoroka
    • Mr Godfrey Molefe
    • Ms Tsoseletso Magang
    • Mr Uyapo Ndadi
    • Mr Ishmael Magare
    • Prof Kgomotso H. Moahi
    • Ms Julia P. Bahuma
    • Mr Oupa Masesane
    • Prof Sunny Aiyuk
    • Prof Bantu L. Morolong
    • Ms Onalenna Sechele
    • Mr Kabelo Kgakololo (co-opted Student Representative)

Council has approved and adheres to a number of governance protocols as a matter of good practice including the Code of Conduct and the Conflict of Interests Policy.

Committees of Council

Council conducts its business through sub committees. It has established 9 Committees, 4 of which are standing Committees and others sit as and when necessary. The Committees include:

• • • Council Human Resources Committee
    • Council Finance and Tender Committee
    • Council Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
    • Council Planning and Resources Committee
    • Council Executive Committee
    • Senior Staff Appointments Promotions and Review Committee
    • Staff Appeals Committee
    • Joint Committee of Council and Senate
    • Review Committee of Council and Senate

Council Planning and Resources Committee

The Committee is responsible for advising Council on major strategic issues pertaining to high-level planning and resource management, including strategic planning, construction, maintenance, and security of physical infrastructure, strategic financial planning, resource mobilisation, disaster management and acquisition of major assets.

Council Human Resources Committee

The Committee is responsible for ensuring that Council meets its obligations pertaining to HR strategy and policies, terms and Conditions of Service, recruitment, compensation and performance management.

Council has approved the Committee’s Terms of Reference-the Council Human Resources Committee Charter is in place to guide the Committee’s business.

Council Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

The Committee has responsibility for risk management including IT governance, compliance with relevant legislation, statutory instruments and Policies as well as audit matters. A Council Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Charter is in place.

Council Finance and Tender Committee

The Committee is tasked with ensuring that the University’s financial business is conducted efficiently and effectively, in a manner consistent with international financial practices and standards. Council has approved the Committee’s Charter – the Council Finance and Tender Committee Charter.

Risk Management

The University manages risk in a systematic manner through adherence to the Risk Management Framework which among others spells through the risk management architectures, roles and responsibilities of different role players. Council has oversight over governance of risk and has delegated this responsibility to the Council Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. There is a Committee at Management level responsible for risk Management- the Risk Management Committee and reports to the Council Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Council has recently revised the Risk Management Framework to align with developing trends. Council has also approved a Corporate Risk Register that will be reviewed regularly.