The development of skill formation in Botswana was investigated in the context o f the global
economy and high youth unemployment. At independence (1966) Botswana was one of the
ten poorest countries in the world. As a democratic country the welfare of its citizens was
paramount, consequently, when diamonds were discovered (1967) the main objective was to
improve living standards throughout the country. When revenue from diamonds increased,
diversification by creating a stronger industrial base was considered necessary to develop a
sound economy, more employment for its expanding youth population, lessening dependence
upon expatriate workers and further investment in schools and vocational education and
training (VET) establishments, however, the supply and demand of skilled workers was
uncoordinated and employers were dissatisfied with the quality of VET graduates.
Wide ranging information on the opinions of the effectiveness of VET was obtained from
village elders; school leavers, teachers and parents; VET leavers, lecturers and instructors;
recent VET graduates and employers; and other high ranking individuals. Human capital
theory and its assumptions were found inappropriate for analysing the requirements of a
developing country, as it failed to consider the effects of traditional culture on development.
A more holistic approach, based on the political economy of skill formation, appeared to be
more suitable.
The effects of traditional norms and expectations on western industrial practice were
highlighted, also, the negative influence of the didactic teaching style on the application of
theoretical knowledge, problem solving and the teaching of English in schools. VET
institutes were disadvantaged by lecturers and instructors with limited industrial and teaching
experience and industrial placements for students were ineffective because of inadequate
funding for guidelines and monitoring procedures. Only one third of VET graduates were
able to obtain work appropriate to their training. Positive actions to improve the effectiveness
of VET were suggested, but they require commitment from all stakeholders.