21 Jan 2021

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs is in the process of providing the necessary equipment to enable immigration employees at border posts to serve customers effectively and diligently.

Addressing Mabolwe Immigration staff on January 20, permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Themba Mmusi said such would include vehicles, computers, fax machines as well as printers.

Dr Mmusi said the plan was to have Mabolwe Border Post computerised by the end of this financial year so that when the border opens for international travel, everything would be in place.

He thanked the staff for their willingness and sacrifice to serve the nation in the part of the country where there were no social amenities, adding that it showed how patriotic they were to their country.

Dr Mmusi further stated that his ministry, through immigration department, should support the Rural Development Council , which  was chaired by the Vice President to improve the lives of the rural community.

He said his ministry should be able to issue out identity cards and passports on time to enable the community to access government programmes or better their lives in many ways.

He assured staff that he would give them all the support provided they did their job diligently, promising to follow up on the challenges they faced on their day to day work as well as issues of staff welfare.

Regarding promotions, Dr Mmusi said his ministry was currently faced with financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, promotions would be considered at a later stage.

For her part, the safety health and environment coordinator,  Ms Elizabeth Pule warned the employees of increasing COVID-19 positive cases and encouraged them to always adhere to health protocols.

She said once the borders start operating, health protocols should not be compromised because neighbouring Zimbabwe was also experiencing a surge in COVID-19 positive cases including COVID-19 related deaths.

She urged them to clean their surroundings thoroughly including door handles.

Ms Pule also informed staff that provision of surgical masks would be done once the border starts operating to help protect the staff against the virus.

For his part, officer in-charge of Mabolwe Border Post, Mr Tshupego Kaelo thanked the permanent secretary and his entourage for visiting the border and getting to know their challenges.

He requested for the department to pay staff at Mabolwe Border Post Rural Area Service Allowance since Mabolwe is in the remotest area.

He also asked for the connection of the internet as well as sporting equipment. Ends