Botswana: The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs of Botswana has launched Batswana and Namibians crossing at Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari Border Post at liberty to use national identity cards as travel documents.
Kasane immigration office, Mohembo and Ngoma border posts would follow suit, while the Dobe border post would follow upon completion of infrastructure.
The use of national identity cards as travel documents means families would be brought together, while the time and cost associated with cross-border travel would be reduced.
Mindset Change calls for such progressive initiatives that foster social cohesion among the citizens of the two nations, who share profound historical, cultural and economic bonds, in addition to values of democracy, self-determination as a people and the rule of law.
The use of national identity cards contributes to the objectives of the SADC Treaty, which called on member states to develop policies aimed at the progressive elimination of obstacles to free movement of people, goods and services.
One important announcement was made by the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, informing the public that the service for the issuance and renewal of the National Identity Cards (Omang) is on suspension during the extreme social distancing period.
Therefore, all National Identity Cards which expire during the extreme social distancing period will only be renewed when the service resumes. During extreme social distancing, expired National Identity Cards are to be used for identification. This is to enable Batswana to continue to enjoy the services offered by different service providers without hindrance.