16 Aug 2021

Minister of Finance and Economic Development says re-opening of Bokspits, Two Rivers, Middlepits, Tsabong, Makopong and Bray/Hereford borders will be considered on account of non-prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Peggy Serame said this in response to a parliamentary question on Friday. She said some borders were closed following outbreak of the COVID-19 and after South Africa closed its  borders to minimise movement of people.

“Therefore Botswana could not leave the borders with South Africa open. It was only the commercial borders that remained open to allow for movement of essential goods and services,” she said.

On one hand, the minister told Parliament that the Bi-National Commission between Botswana and South Africa governed the opening and closing of borders.

However, she said, should there be an urgent need to consult on the opening and closing of borders, consultations would be undertaken between the two governments.

She indicated that consultations were undertaken in advance before closing and opening of borders.

“However, let me point out that on account of the emergencies brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, there were incidences where borders were closed prior to consultations.

In this regard, Botswana has since engaged South Africa through diplomatic channels to address the situation,” she said.

Kgalagadi South MP, Mr Sam Brooks, had asked the minister to state bilateral agreements of Botswana and South Africa in opening and closing of borders.

Mr Brooks also wanted to know if the two governments ever consulted each other in advance when closing borders.

The MP further wanted to know when the minister intended to open Bokspits, Two Rivers, Middlepits, Tsabong, Makopong and Bray/Hereford borders, arguing that those were the only convenient crossing points for his constituents. ENDS