Gaborone, Botswana – December 12, 2024
In a groundbreaking announcement, Botswana’s President Duma Boko has revealed plans to regularize the stay of undocumented Zimbabweans living in the country, citing Zimbabwe’s skilled human resources as a valuable asset. This move is expected to benefit thousands of Zimbabweans, with an estimated 150,000 already residing in Botswana.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana, Henry Mukonoweshuro, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential benefits for both nations. Speaking in an interview yesterday, Mukonoweshuro said, “We welcome the pronouncements by the new President Advocate Duma Boko. His idea to document and regularize Zimbabweans is a positive trajectory. It’s better to have regularized individuals who can be traced, trusted, and allowed to seek formal employment.”
The Ambassador noted that Zimbabweans in Botswana are well-trained, skilled, and committed, making them a valuable addition to the workforce. He compared the move to South Africa’s 2009 special dispensation for Zimbabweans and expressed optimism about implementing a similar framework in Botswana.
Mukonoweshuro confirmed plans to meet with Botswana’s Minister of Immigration and Human Rights to discuss the rollout of the initiative. “I am yet to meet the new Minister and Permanent Secretary to actualize the President’s pronouncement,” he said.
The Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone is already playing a critical role in supporting its citizens in Botswana. The consular office serves up to 150 Zimbabweans daily, providing services such as passport renewals, permit documentation, and birth certificate applications. The Embassy is also compiling a database of Zimbabweans living in Botswana to streamline the regularization process.
Zimbabweans living in Botswana have expressed satisfaction with the consular services offered by the Embassy. Dr. Brighton Hurombo, a lecturer at the University of Botswana, commended the quality of services. “I am very happy with the assistance provided here. Today, I was able to resolve my driver’s license issues, allowing me to travel to Harare for the holidays without any problems,” he said.
The announcement by President Boko marks a significant step in strengthening relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe while ensuring the inclusion and recognition of Zimbabweans in Botswana’s social and economic framework. Further updates on the documentation process and its implementation are expected in the coming weeks.
This initiative is expected to foster trust, provide job opportunities, and harness the skilled labor of Zimbabweans for Botswana’s benefit.