28 Jan 2015

Statistics from the national civil registration office is critical to development and planning by government and other stakeholders, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs (MLHA) Mr Edwin Batshu has said.

Addressing the residents of Molepolole on the mandate of his ministry, Mr Batshu said data/statistics helped relevant offices and institutions to plan for or employ counter measures to avoid similar calamities recurring.

He said examples included planning for road safety or general development such as the amount of medication supply per a location.

On the national identity card, he said Omang card was key in the life of every Motswana; as such it was critical for all Batswana to acquire the identity card so that they can benefit from the numerous support systems offered by the government.

Responding to comments and questions, Mr Batshu concurred that many Batswana did not want to work at the lands or cattle posts, however, it was illegal for farmers to employ illegal immigrants just because they could not afford the P3 000 needed for work and resident permits.

Some farmers had earlier pleaded with MLHA to consider reducing the P3 000 fee to allow them to employ cheap and reliable expatriate labour to help improve the ailing agricultural sector which is key to development and to food security.

He said if Botswana could just open borders, illegal immigrants would compete with locals for the little resources available thereby impacting negatively on the livelihoods of Batswana.

On office accommodation to improve service delivery in Kweneng District, the minister said the ministry would participate in the piloting of service halls where government departments would be accommodated under one roof as a one stop service centre.

Residents supported the envisaged amendment of the society registration act which they said together with related regulations must be strengthened to protect Batswana from unscrupulous individuals masquerading as pastors when in fact all they wanted was profit making.

Molepolole North MP Mr Tlamelo Mmatli encouraged MLHA officials to always monitor foreign investors some of whom always break the rules in their work permits by venturing into businesses reserved for locals.

He said the ministry should be seen to be at the forefront of monitoring and making follow ups,adding that it should not be the usual rhetoric which can not benefit or develop the livelihoods of Batswana.

Mr Mmatli however implored Batswana to not abdicate their societal obligation of bringing home-grown ideas to address challenges faced by home affairs ministry such as illegal immigration which the government alone can not manage. ENDS