07 May 2017

The Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has called on Batswana to register cases of births and deaths.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting in Kumakwane on May 4, Mr Batshu said correct cases of deaths and births help government in planning for developments.

The minister further stated that failure to register cases timely, led to failure by government to provide timely and appropriate services to the community.

In some cases, he said there would be wastage of resources which could have been channeled to other projects.

Mr Batshu said there was need for the country and the world to have proper figures of its population, adding that all developments were centered around numbers.

He further called on all those who had not registered their cases to do so to ensure that government had the appropriate data.

Mr Batshu stated that the number of deaths could also help government to come up with interventions on the causes of deaths.

In addition, he further called on the citizens to register their children for national identity cards (Omang), warning that failure to register for births and national identity cards attracts penalty fees.

He said the national identity card, was a crucial ‘must have’ for every Motswana in order to access government services.

He stated that no person would access government services without having a national identity card.

Mr Batshu stated that the process of applying for Omang cards at a later stage was tedious, hence he encouraged for early applications.

On other issues, the minister said there was need for the churches to be registered and adhere to their constitutions.

He said churches were societies which were not owned by pastors or bishops, but by the congregants.

During comments, the residents complained about some churches which make noise during the night and disturb students, while studying.

Another Kumakwane resident, called on government to relax requirements of travelling with a minor outside the country stating that the process was tedious.

Other residents commended government for allowing the names of both parents appear on children’s birth certificate. ENDS