28 Jul 2013

Residents of Kutamogoree in Tutume Sub-district have been advised to register births and deaths as well as apply for national identity cards (Omang).

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Kutamogoree on July 25, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu said it was important that the registered child received a birth certificate, which acted as a permanent, official and visible evidence  that he or she was a member of society.

He said birth registration enabled a child to acquire amongst others medical and educational services. All these services rely on birth registration to prove identity and entitlement to basic rights. Mr Batshu said the country needed to know how many people were born and die each year and the main causes of their deaths in order to have well-functioning health systems.

In addition, he said the only way to count everyone and track down all births and deaths was through civil registration. Minister Batshu also highlighted the mandate of the ministry, which was to promote gender equality, provide labour, occupational health and safety, migration, citizenship and coordinate graduate internship and vocational training.

In his welcoming remarks, Kgosi Motsamai Kgosi expressed concern about people who broke the law by selling alcohol and dagga. He also complained about lack of electricity and water in their village, adding that the village was near Francistown city and therefore deserves the developments.

Responding to some of the issues, Mr Batshu said when someone breaks the law he or she deserves punishment, adding that some of the raised issues will be forwarded to the relevant authorities. ENDS