From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading professional body, The Botswana Engineers Society has come a long way in championing the growth and success of engineering in Botswana.
Initialization
A group of local graduate engineers were concerned about the development, practice, and status of engineering in Botswana. They saw the need to establish a professional body that would ensure the growth and success of engineering in the country. And so, The Botswana Engineers Society was born.
Formal Registration
In March 1984, the society was formally registered as a professional body with the Registrar of Societies and named The Botswana Engineers Society. S.D Williams was appointed as Chairman, and K.G Moshashane as Secretary during the first Appointment General meeting held on 31st March 1984.
Commonwealth Engineers Council
Through sound management, the society witnessed great continual success achieved through landmarks and changes that emerged since its inception. In 1993, the society became a member of the Commonwealth Engineers Council. The drafting and adoption of the BIE constitution aimed at increasing engineers' awareness of their obligation to the development of the engineering profession within the country's walls and in the international arena.
Engineers Registrations Act
In 1998, the Engineers Registrations Act was implemented, leading to the formation of the Engineers Registration Board.
Engineers Registration Board (ERB)
In celebration of the 21st anniversary of the society in 2005, a program, publicity, and newsletter were released to commemorate the milestone. The same year saw the formation of the ERB, which further strengthened the engineering profession in Botswana. The society also began hosting annual dinners, cultural nights, and conferences, which have become a significant platform for networking and knowledge sharing among engineering professionals.
Francistown Chapter
The year 2014 saw the opening of the Francistown Chapter and the pledge ceremony, which was published in local newspapers, further increasing the society's visibility and impact. In 2017, the GCRF Africa Catalyst Project was launched, aimed at capacity-building professional engineering institutions, further cementing Botswana's position as a leading country in engineering.
15th International Biennial Conference
In 2017 BIE held its 15th International Biennial conference under the Theme: In pursuit of engineering excellence beyond 50: Economic Stimulus through Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability.
ICE Conference
In 2018, the Institution participated in the ICE Conference in London showcasing Botswanas engineering excellence to the World. The new BIE council, elected in 2022, highlighted the inclusion of young people in steering the ship, and the youngest BIE council member was elected. The BIE team continues to participate actively in the ERB Annual Engineering Forum, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaborations among engineering professionals in Botswana.
16th International Biennial Conference
In 2019, BIE conducted the 16th International Biennial Conference under the Theme: In pursuit of millennium development goals beyond 2015: Sustainable Knowledge-based Economies through Engineering & Applied Sciences.
BIE Gala Dinner
The new BIE council, elected in 2022 June, highlighted the inclusion of young people in steering the ship, and the youngest BIE council member was elected. A successful BIE Gala Dinner was hosted in October 2022, which was broadcasted on BTV and showcased in local newspapers. Major highlights of the Dinner include past BIE Presidents being given honorary awards for their invaluable work of founding BIE and carrying its mandate successfully for the past 39 years. And Engineers at large were also celebrated for their significant contributions in the development of our country, and encouraged to innovatively craft a sustainable future for our beloved Nation.
Engineers Forum
Since 2019 to date, the BIE team continues to participate actively in the ERB Annual Engineering Forum, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaborations among engineering professionals in Botswana. Moreover, the year 2023 Marks BIE's 40th Year Anniversary, and the BIE Team coincidentally made history attaining 8 Trophies during the Engineers Forum 2023.