11 Jun 2019

Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Ngaka Ngaka, has assured residents of Shakawe that government will consider opening an immigration office in their village.

He told residents during a kgotla meeting that government was doing everything to ensure that the charges for national documents were affordable and standard for every Motswana.

Mr Ngaka said the loss or damage of a passport was evaluated to determine the most appropriate remedy and if it was determined that the holder was careless, they would be charged for reissuance.

The minister also explained that the operating hours of Mohembo border post could only be extended if the number of people who used it warranted such extension.

On gender based violence, the minister stated that studies showed that it was rampant, with women being the primary victims in Botswana.

He encouraged men to refrain from the practice and speak one on one with their boy children so that they could grow up to be responsible men.

He also cautioned dikgosi to work hand in hand with parents in moulding youngsters into accountable citizens.

One Shakawe resident, Mr Aaron Marungu thanked the minister for the fruitful meeting and also applauded the officers at Mohembo Border Post for their hard work.

Meanwhile, the minister also had a meeting with residents of Etsha and the underlying issue was citizenship since most of them did not have valid identity documents.

The residents are mainly of the Hambukushu tribe, who came from Angola in 1968, and are still battling for citizenship.

Mr Ngaka said it was imperative to address the issue, informing residents that when a child became 16 years, they were entitled to have Omang and that when they turn 21, they had an option to choose to denounce one citizenship.

He highlighted that not holding a valid identity card haddire consequences such as not being able to apply for school, empowerment programmes, social grants and others.

Mr Ngaka assured residents that his ministry would look into the matter and ensure residents of Etsha were granted their identity documents so that they could enjoy full rights and thus improve their livelihoods.

The minister also encouraged residents to collect their identity cards on time. ENDS