17 Feb 2019

- Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs has reminded employees based at the border gates that the entry and exit points of the country ought to be attractive to give visitors a warm reception.

Addressing staff after the tour of the Mamuno border gate facilities on February 15, Minister Ngaka Ngaka emphasised that the border gates should be well branded to sell the country.

He said all that the country takes pride in should be well documented through branding, citing tourism and the diamond industry.

“Peace and tranquillity prevailing in the country should also be displayed. 

I will engage with relevant ministries to work together to improve the situation,” he said.

The minister, who was accompanied by the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Mr Motse Otlhabanye and the director Ms Florah Lekoko noted that the visit helped him to appreciate the challenges experienced by those based at the border gate with the intention to close the gaps, especially on issues relating to connectivity and networking.

Earlier, when briefing the minister about her station, the officer in charge at Mamuno gate, Ms Ontitile Marumoloa said lack of accommodation was a concern, particularly that they have some new staff.

Ms Marumoloa said the challenge had compelled them to house some of the staff in the dilapidated houses at the old Mamuno facility.

“We have tried to push for major maintenance of these structures, but we can only do minor maintenance due to lack of funds,” she said regretting that the Department of Buildings and Engineering Services was unwilling to save the situation.

In addition, she expressed scepticism that as they consume water pumped straight from a borehole, their health may be compromised, saying they tried to engage the Water Utilities Corporation, but their efforts yielded no fruits.

The minister proceeded to visit other staff members at Charleshill, where Omang and gender officers are housed.

One officer, Ms Ikgopoleng Tsebe expressed concern about shortage of office space. ENDS