22 Jun 2023

A total of 52 people, including 33 school going children, are ready to go back to Namibia and have already renounced their Botswana citizenship.

This was revealed by Maun Administrative Authority assistant district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe at an engagement meeting with the Namibian delegation in Maun on Wednesday.

The meeting aimed to appreciate readiness by the Namibian government to receive the first group of Baherero and Ovanderu people who had since shown interest to relocate to Namibia.

The group had long requested to be repatriated to Namibia in 2013 and the two governments had since started facilitating the process.

Mr Gaborekwe told the delegation that the 52 people were from various villages of Makakung, Semboyo, Bothatogo, Tsau and Maun and 15 of the returnees were benefitting from old age pension scheme while one was registered under destitute programme and benefitted from destitute housing.

He added that 49 had registered their movable and non-movable goods.He further informed the delegation that 285 cattle, 175 goats, 92 sheep, six horses, 40 donkeys, 16 dogs, 60 chickens and various exotic and indigenous trees had been registered t.

The delegation, led by deputy executive director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Penda Ithindi, comprised representatives of various ministries including those of land reform, agriculture, home affairs and traditional leaders, among others.

Governor of Otjozondjupa region in Namibia, Mr James Uerikua said the Namibian government was ready to receive the first group provided all the processes had been followed.

“We have been taking the process seriously and did our best to put systems in place. We have been ready since April to receive the group and we wish they could start arriving before July 27 this year because if the facilities idle for so long, they will be exposed to vandalism,” Mr Uerikua said.

He added that Namibian government was at an advanced stage and had already put in place all the necessities, which included a 21-hectare of land connected water and electricity that had been secured to accommodate returnees.

“The cabinet has also instructed relevant authorities to strengthen the health services and currently, the Ministry of Health is busy recruiting nurses to beef up the existing ones,” he added.

“We therefore appeal to Botswana government to at least facilitate Batswana of Namibia descendants who are ready and do not have belongings or assets to relocate first so that they occupy structures in place,” he said.

He said a commercial farm had also been secured for those with livestock to keep their animals, adding that arrangements had been made with some schools to welcome learners.

He added that transport had also been arranged to pick the group from the border and a ceremony would be held to welcome them.

For his part, Mr Ithindi, urged local authorities to furnish them with verification list of prospective relocates so that they would do proper preparations.

He also advised that the date of departure be agreed upon so that issues of tax clearance could be promptly settled.

Meanwhile, Ms Kelentse Kelebisitswe from Okavango district reported that they had registered 16 adults and 21 dependents out of which 10 were school going children, from villages of Chukumuchu, Habu, Qangwa, Nxauxau and Gumare as well as 520 cattle, 88 donkeys, 320 goats, 100 sheep, 65 chickens, 45 horses and 17 dogs. Ends