28 Jul 2019

Use of a passport between Botswana and Namibia will not be necessary in the near future, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Speaking at 45^th edition of Ghanzi Agricultural Show on July 27, Dr Masisi said both countries would eliminate the need for a passport when citizens travel between them. 

The only requirement at the border, he said, would be valid identity cards. 

Dr Masisi said officials from both countries would soon formalise this deal.

Namibia president, also SADC chairperson, Dr Hage Geingob concurred with President Masisi saying, “it is gratifying to note that my visit to Ghanzi came at a time when Namibia and Botswana had intensified efforts to explore new avenues of cooperation.” 

On issues of bilateral relations, Dr Geingob said the two nations were bonded by geography and destiny.

He said both countries had shared responsibility to maintain and strengthen relations to consolidate peace and freedom as well as enhance mutual understanding.

“We make our friends, we make our enemies  but God make our  next door neighbours. So people of Namibia  should thank God for giving them good neighbours, Botswana,” said Dr Geingob

He indicated that during German   colonial oppression era, Namibians under the leadership of chief Maherero fled their country and Batswana warmly received them. 

He said after the end of German colonialism and subsequent apartheid era, Botswana became a refuge for Namibian people.

“I was one of those forced to stay here on my way to go to study. I went to study and got knowledge because we believed knowledge would free us,” Dr Geingob said. Ends