23 Feb 2023

Ms Wisher Smae, who plies her trade 2.5 km from Mamuno border post, is ready to embrace the winds of change blowing in her vicinity - inauguration of the use of national identity cards for cross border travel between Botswana and Namibia.

Ms Smae said in an interview that the new chapter would keep her business float.

She explained that she expected more human traffic between the two countries now that movement would be made easier through the introduction of national identity cards instead of passports.

The 37-year -old single mother said though currently her customers are predominantly truck drivers, she was hopeful that the easing of border crossing, would usher in new clients.

Ms Smae said she intended to extend her operating hours to cater for the anticipated customers. She, however, would closely monitor the development with a view to diversify her business.

Ms Smae, who said she frequently travelled to Namibia to visit relatives and for shopping, would be under no pressure to renew her passport that expires in April.

In random interviews, some residents expressed mixed feelings with some saying the use of national identity cards for cross-border travel between Botswana and Namibia might lead to a rise in criminal activities. Ends