The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC), Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, says the research institution's Acting Managing Director Nick Ndaba was asked to resign by March 31 in the best interests of BOTEC.

Totolo says Ndaba was offered the chance to resign but did not respond. He said a similar offer was also made to the institution's Director of Technology Development Tebalebo Baletlwa in accordance with BOTEC's board decision to part ways with both people. However, he would not reveal the reasons for such a decision. Referring this reporter to the recommendations of the Lisindi Commission, Totolo says BOTEC and RIPCO will not be merged but that the recommendations of the Lisindi Commission will be implemented and BOTEC will continue as it is.

The media will receive a press statement on the next BOTEC CEO, Dr Edson Selaolo, who will assume duties on May 1. The current Acting Managing Director is Kebadire Basaako, who will relinquish the position on April 30 when the position will change to Chief Executive Officer. The Lisindi Commission was appointed by former President Festus Mogae to investigate allegations of corruption at BOTEC. Meanwhile, Ndaba has denied that he has been dismissed, saying he was asked to resign. He says he was given alternatives to either resign or the board would terminate his contract. He did not respond to the offer and did not know why he was asked to leave by midday on March 31.