26 Mar 2019

Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga has implored government to facilitate the integration of the Dukwi refugees back into the mainstream society.

Debating the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security 2019/2020 budget proposal, Mr Majaga commended government for facilitating the repatriation and resettlement of refugees to their countries of origin, which were willing to receive them back in accordance with the 1951 United Nations Convention and Protocol.

Mr Majaga however challenged government to assist with integrating back into society those refugees not willing to return home.

He reiterated that integrating migrants into host societies should be a two way road that benefited and required efforts from all involved parties, in this case immigrants and government.

Mr Majaga cautioned that asylum-seekers and refugees should not be regarded as passive suppliants begging for favours, but rather as individuals eager to advance their well-being and the communities they live in.

Some immigrants, he said, had sought asylum in the country long ago, hence they deserve to be given a real opportunity to advance and use their skills and competencies, whether they live in a society temporarily or permanently.

As decisive as a genuine empowerment of migrants may be, Mr Majaga stated that it was also essential to develop a sense of belonging in immigrants and motivate them to be self-reliant rather than being dependent on government and humanitarian handouts. Batswana, he said, were well-known for being a tolerant and peaceful nation and therefore immigrants would be warmly appreciated into the society.

Contributing to the debate, MP for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy applauded government for improving disciplined forces personnel’s conditions of service, highlighting that the move would highly motivate staff.

MP for Sefhare/Ramokgonami, Ms Dorcas Makgato acknowledged the establishment of cluster policing committees for cohesively working with the police to combat crime in the country.

She said the clusters’ continued effort, commitment and the spirit of volunteerism in fighting crime deserved special mention and accolades. Ms Makgato said community policing remained the widely practised and most effective crime prevention strategy.

She emphasised the need to build more effective partnerships in the fight against crime, adding that cluster policing continued to yield the desired results.

Gaborone Central legislator, Dr Phenyo Butale implored the Botswana Police Service to adopt into their system deserving special constables who served the police service meticulously.

Dr Butale argued that Special Constables had played an integral part in combating crime and it was disappointing that some ended up unemployed at the end of their contracts despite the high vacancy rates in the police service and escalating crime rate in country. Ends