Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in Botswana has announced that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) will be signed to permit the use of National Identity Cards (IDs) as travel documents between the borders of Botswana and Namibia.
The signing of the agreement will take place on Friday, 24 February 2023, at Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari Border Post. This development is the culmination of the initiative by the two Heads of State, Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, and Dr Hage Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, dating back to 2019.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in Botswana, Rule Jimmy Opelo, said that the agreement is a clear demonstration of their unwavering commitment to implement a uniquely progressive aspect of the strategy of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
“As Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), this agreement between Botswana and Namibia will contribute to the objectives of the SADC Treaty, which calls on SADC Member States to develop policies aimed at the progressive elimination of obstacles to free movement of people, goods and services,” Opelo said.
He added that the use of the National Identity Cards for cross-border travel will enhance the momentum for economic and regional integration and further promote safe and orderly migration.
Further to this, Opelo emphasised that this development will become even more impactful on people’s lives as Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari Border Post attains a full-fledged status of a One Stop Border Post, operating on a 24-hour basis later this year.
“It will also foster social cohesion among the citizens of the two nations, who share profound historical, cultural and economic bonds, in addition to the values of democracy, self-determination as a people, human rights, peace, rule of law, and good governance, among others,” Opelo concluded.
