08 Jun 2016

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, Ms Segakweng Tsiane says there is no formal council where government security agencies meet to discuss issues on national security.

Responding to a question asked by a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mr Ndaba Gaolathe at its ongoing sitting on Monday, Ms Tsiane said though there was no such a formal council, heads of different security agencies do meet from time to time to discuss pertinent issues surrounding the country’s internal and external security.

She said lack of it thereof does not in any way stop those entrusted with the country’s security from meeting, noting that when they do meet, they discuss issues such as counter terrorism which of late has taken centre stage.

On other issues, Ms Tsiane said there is nothing suggesting that the training of security personnel is lacking.

She said training of such officers is done according to the needs of each particular sector; be it on academic or type of equipment used.

She further said she could not disclose the budget that will be used to buy BDF fighter jets.   

Meanwhile, when responding to a concern raised by MP Biggie Butale of Tati West, she said Botswana Prison and Rehabilitation encourages long time serving inmates to take up formal education to the level of degrees.

She said they have entered into partnership with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development who guide them on courses that are offered.

She also said it is not that Botswana has pulled out of continental peace mission assignments which is known for, noting that the country’s military strength and armoury as well as preparedness should be taken into account before embarking on such missions.

She said armed militia enemies will not just see BDF as peace keepers, but an opponent and therefore the country should be prepared to invest substantial amount of resources if it want to embark on such assignments.

With regard to the issue of Namibia refugees in Dukwi, she said the High Court ruling has not stopped those who are willing to be repatriated back and as such those willing to go back will be accordingly assisted.

Ms Tsiane, who was responding to MP Polson Majaga of Nata/Gweta, however said those who chose to remain in the country and are yearning for citizenship will not be granted a special dispensation as there are procedures to be followed when applying for citizenship.

She also confirmed that UNHCR is about to close some of its offices in some countries, Botswana included because of budgetary constraints. She nevertheless said the move will make the country to fully take responsibility of the refugees’ needs. The issue is however still under discussions, she told the committee chaired by MP Abram Kesupile.

She said the country for the past two years has been passing Acts aimed at enhancing human safety which among them is the Private Security Act.

She regretted that the country has been faring badly in terms of human trafficking issues and such measures were being put in place to mitigate against this.

In addition, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions will register a number of human trafficking cases with various court which it has completed its investigations. ENDS