16/10/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Era College Recognizes Mr. Vishvas Sethi’s Decade of Service and Leadership
Gaborone, Botswana | 16 October 2026 — New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology pays tribute to Mr. Vishvas Sethi, who will conclude his tenure as Chairperson of Council on 26 October 2026, following more than a decade of dedicated service to the institution.
Throughout his tenure as a Council member, Vice Chairperson and Chairperson, Mr. Sethi has played an important role in advancing New Era College’s institutional mission, strengthening its strategic direction and supporting its continued development. His contribution has extended beyond governance, bringing valuable business insight, and financial and strategic counsel.
A key aspect of Mr. Sethi’s contribution has been his support for strategic partnerships that strengthen the College’s mission and deepen the connection between education, industry and economic development. Through his guidance and professional networks, he has helped reinforce the importance of collaboration in expanding institutional opportunities and advancing the College’s ambition to deliver industry-responsive, applied education.
Mr. Sethi has also provided valuable financial and business advisory support, contributing commercial perspective and informed counsel to institutional decision-making. His experience has helped inform discussions on financial sustainability, business development and the responsible stewardship of resources, reinforcing the College’s commitment to sound governance and long-term institutional growth.
His contribution to institutional governance has also included leadership in the review and development of the College’s governance framework, including the revised Institutional Charter and Council Charter. This work represents an important step in strengthening governance structures, clarifying institutional responsibilities and supporting effective oversight as New Era College continues to evolve. His involvement reflects a commitment to ensuring that the College’s governance arrangements remain aligned with its institutional ambitions and its sustainability.
Mr. Sethi’s leadership was particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented challenge that tested institutional resilience and disrupted higher education globally. During this period, steady leadership, sound governance and a commitment to institutional continuity were essential. His contribution helped guide the College through a period of considerable uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of responsible oversight, adaptability and maintaining focus on the institution’s mission during challenging circumstances.
Among his contributions, Mr. Sethi stewarded the development of New Era College’s recently launched five-year strategy, Elevating Polytechnic. His guidance helped shape the College’s strategic direction as it seeks to strengthen its polytechnic identity, advance engineering and applied sciences, expand industry-aligned learning, and prepare graduates with the practical skills required by Botswana’s economy. This contribution marks an important part of his legacy as the institution enters its next phase of development.
As Managing Director of ITIQ, a professional IT services company, Mr. Sethi brought substantial business, technology and leadership experience to his professional engagements. New Era College is grateful for the expertise, commitment and perspective he has shared with the institution over more than a decade.
Mr. Esfandiar Ghodrati, Board Chairperson of New Era College, said:
“On behalf of the Board and the New Era College community, I extend our sincere appreciation to Vishvas Sethi for more than a decade of dedicated service. His leadership, strategic counsel and commitment to strong governance have made a lasting contribution to the College, particularly during challenging periods and in shaping its future direction.
We are equally pleased to welcome Brett Knowles as incoming Chairperson of Council, effective 27 October 2026. His international experience in strategy ex*****on and higher education will be valuable as the College advances its institutional priorities.”
Mr. Brett Knowles brings extensive international experience in strategy ex*****on, organizational leadership, consulting and higher education. His appointment will support continuity in Council leadership as New Era College continues to strengthen its position in engineering, technology, applied sciences and technical and vocational education and training.
The transition will take effect on 27 October 2026, with the College maintaining continuity in its governance arrangements and strategic oversight. New Era College remains committed to strong governance, institutional accountability and the delivery of quality, industry-responsive education that contributes to Botswana’s skills development and economic transformation.
About New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology
New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology is a private higher education institution in Botswana focused on engineering, commerce, education, technology and applied sciences. The College is committed to developing work-ready graduates, advancing applied learning and innovation, and strengthening the link between education and industry to contribute to Botswana’s socioeconomic development.
Pictures: Left -Mr. Vishvas Sethi, Right -Mr Brett Knowles
