26 Jun 2023

Namibian is ready to receive the first batch of Batswana of Namibian descent who long showed willingness to relocate.

Speaking at a meeting between delegations from Namibia and Botswana in Tsau on June 23, the District Officer from Okavango Ms Gaehetswe Maphakwane thanked the Namibian counterparts for the preparations made to receive the relocatees in about a month period on July 27.

“It shows that the relocatees will be provided with food for the first three months as well as assurance of health and education services,” she said. Ms Maphakwane thanked the relocatees for voluntary choosing to relocate to the land of their forefathers.

“I understand that you are relocating in good faith to your forefather’s land and not because there is bad blood between you and Botswana,” she said. She attributed the delay in the relocation process which started in 2013 to proper planning as the two countries have different laws.

Ms Maphakwane however said the two government had put modalities in place to ensure the relocation process was smooth.

Botswana’s Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Andries Moeng, said a total of 80 adults of Batswana of Namibian descendants have renounced their Botswana citizenship as well as 64 minors. He said the relocatees should renounce their Botswana citizenship as the Namibian counterpart did not allow dual citizenship by registration.

“Some have not yet renounced their Botswana citizenship which is mandatory while some are no longer going,” he said. Mr Moeng said it was important for relocatees to register their properties to help the two governments with planning processes.

The governor of Otjozondjupa in Namibia, Mr James Uerikua said that the government and the people of Namibia were ready to welcome the returnees who would be settled at a place called Gam.

He said preparations including food supply for first three months, education to assimilate learners and health provisions were in place. He observed that the same exercise was carried out around 1993 and 1996 and observed that the current exercise was spearheaded by Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reforms.

The kgosi of Otjozondjupa in Namibia, Sam Kambazembi said Tsau in Botswana held a historical connection to the Baherero, as it was where the Namibians forefathers were welcomed to Botswana about over 100 years ago. He said Namibia owed Botswana a high price it could not manage to repay. ENDS