11 Dec 2017

Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu says he is not aware of any naturalised citizens who do not integrate with or join indigenous Batswana in the development of the country in villages, towns and cities they live in.

Minister Batshu said he was, therefore, not in any position to deny or confirm the allegations.

However, he said if the allegations were true, it would not only be unfortunate but also unacceptable.

He said certificates of naturalisation were granted to persons of full age and capacity who satisfied amongst others that they were of good character and had sufficient knowledge of Setswana or any language spoken by any tribal community in Botswana.

Minister Batshu said the requirement pre-supposed that the applicant should have interacted and continue to interact with local communities.

He also said persons granted Botswana citizenship were required to make an oath of allegiance and make a declaration that they would live ordinarily amongst Batswana.

The minister said in terms of Section 18 of the Citizenship Act, a naturalised citizen of Botswana could be deprived of citizenship if amongst others he or she had shown himself or herself by act or speech to be disloyal or disaffected towards Botswana.

He called on naturalised citizens to interact with communities they live in and contribute towards the development of the country.

Specially Elected MP, Mr Mephato Reatile had asked the minister if he was aware of naturalised citizens who do not integrate or join indigenous Batswana in the areas they live in.

He also asked the minister if it was acceptable and whether the law provided for such people to be deprived of citizenship. ENDS