31 Jul 2022

The upcoming Botswana/Namibia joint commission is expected to decide on the feasibility of the use of national identity cards  to cross borders between the two countries.

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane told Parliament last week that following consultations with relevant stakeholders, the joint commission was expected to decide on the issue.

“The consolidated information already alluded to is to be considered at the upcoming Botswana/Namibia Joint Permit Commission on Cooperation which is scheduled for August following which a programme or plan for implementation will be made,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane, who is also the Leader of the House, noted that the two countries had a technical committee, which was mandated to develop a concept note to explore the possibility of using national identity card as a cross border document.

The committee was to also look into other details, which included the technical and security aspects that ensured the authenticity of travel documents, while at the same time considering travel and migration requirements.

He said intensive consultations were necessary, not only for security purposes, but also to ensure sustainability of the programme.

“The consultations are necessary to ensure that administrative, technical and legal requirements are in place to facilitate our citizens. This is a detailed process which is done with utmost care considering issues of security and its sustainability.

The development of this type of identity also required that the internal process is strengthened to accommodate the requisite primary feeder documents in both the two countries,” he explained.

He further noted that the use of the national identity card to cross the border would enhance economic and regional integration and also facilitate trade and movement of people between the two countries.

Mr Tsogwane was responding to Maun West MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, who wanted an update on the progress made on the introduction of Omang as an acceptable tool for crossing the border into Namibia and back for Botswana nationals as was promised by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in the run up to the 2019 general elections..ENDS