27 Dec 2021

 Ramokgwebana Border Post, which is one of the busiest in Botswana, experienced a few departures and arrivals during the Christmas holidays.

In an interview, chief immigration assistant, Ms Dineo Pilane attributed such to the recent lockdown in the neighbouring Zimbabwe.

She said Zimbabwe only allowed its own citizens to enter the country while non-citizens such as tourists where denied entry.

Those who were denied entry were advised to use alternative routes such as Kazungula Border Post in Kasane.

“There are some tourists who had wanted to visit Victoria Falls, but were denied entry on the Zimbabwean side,” she added.

Ms Pilane further indicated that on Christmas eve the border received 154 arrivals and 1 174 departures.

She explained that on Christmas day, 81 people used the border to enter Botswana while 784 used it to leave the country.

 “We did not seek reinforcement this time around because the situation in Zimbabwe dictated otherwise,” she added.

Ms Pilane said Ramokgwebana, as one of the busiest border posts in the country, could register up to 10 000 for both arrivals and departures.

Ms Pilane said her staff experienced a few challenges this time around, one of which was that of people wanting to cross the border without passports. Another challenge was that of children under the age of 18, who did not possess birth certificates even though it was a requirement that minors should use their birth certificates to cross the border.

Another challenge was that of single parents who wanted to cross the border with children without affidavits from other parents. ends