02 Mar 2026

Members of Parliament have rallied behind the move toward 24-hour border operation, hailing it as a positive step for boosting economic activity and facilitating seamless transportation of goods. 

Debating the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs budget allocations for 2026/27 presented by Minister Maj. Gen. 

Pius Mokgware on Thursday, MPs noted that the move would improve border services and reduce transit times for long-haulage trucks. 

Mahalapye East legislator, Mr Augustine Nyatanga, hailed the initiative and called on the ministry to evaluate operating times for all borders, including the Parshalt border near Makwate. 

He also commended the ministry for the upcoming Employment and Labour Relations Act, noting that it would help standardise short-term employment. 

On the issue of occupational health and safety, Mr Nyatanga emphasised the need for timely labour inspections, especially at farm where workers faced high levels of exploitation. 

He praised electronic identification as a vital tool for safeguarding the country’s integrity and welcomed the introduction of dual citizenship. Maun East legislator, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, expressed concern that many labour laws remained unenforced. He described the Employment and Labour Relations Act as long overdue. Mr Kekgonegile also touched on several administrative and economic points, acknowledging the move to allow driver’s licenses as valid ID during Omang renewals but warned against the rise of fraudulent cards. 

He proposed a ‘Job Creation Pitso’ with stakeholders and the development of a digital dashboard for employment. He requested an update on the proposed living wage of P4 000 monthly pay and urged the minister to bring the minimum wage law to Parliament. 

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, called for the regularisation of long-term foreign residents, arguing that stringent citizenship laws often led to dishonest reporting on birth certificates. 

He also advocated for improving the visa system to be more efficient in terms of assisting former employees in settling compensation disputes as well as allowing large tour groups to bring their own chefs for specialised excursions. 

Shashe West MP, Mr Jeremiah Frenzel, supported the extended hours for four major borders but expressed disappointment that Ramokgwebana was excluded. He suggested that if 24-hour operation was not feasible, the hours should at least be extended. While Mr Frenzel supported dual citizenship, he cautioned that some foreign nationals might misuse it to enter business sectors reserved for Batswana, such as brick-laying and street vending. ENDS