31 May 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has told journalists that the decision to declare prominent lawyer Joao Salbany a prohibited immigrant (PI) was a mistake and government has apologised.

Addressing the media yesterday (May 30), President Masisi said there were some irregularities in the previous decision to declare  Mr Salbany a prohibited immigrant, hence the decision to reverse it.

He added that there were a number of persons who were also declared PI for different reasons and government would consider each case on its merit.

President Masisi also shared light on recent  media speculations alleging that  the new administration has  reduced the benefits of the former president,  Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

He dismissed such allegations as untruthful saying as much as  Botswana is a free country the media should not abuse their freedom of expression to publicise misleading information.

He emphasised the need for journalists to fully ensure the authenticity of their articles before publication.

President Masisi made a commitment to end information drought that often led to such speculation saying the media was a key stakeholder in community building.

He said government would review some of the immigration reforms to  create a conducive environment to lure  foreign investors and as such the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs has been  instructed to remove bottlenecks that hinder investors to establish business in Botswana. ENDS