Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, staunchly advocates for the removal of passport requirements between Zimbabwe and South Africa, aligning this proposal with SADC guidelines and the principles of good neighborliness. “In line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) guidelines and good neighborliness, I see the removal of passport requirements between Zimbabwe and South Africa,” asserts Masisi.
Questioning the rationale behind denying entry to individuals with valid ID cards, Masisi points out the financial strain on Zimbabweans unable to afford passports. “Given the expensive fee of the passport, let alone prices of food, why deny them entry using an ID (identity card)?” he queries.
In his recent budget response speech, Masisi addresses concerns about discriminatory attitudes and emphasizes his commitment to AU and SADC instruments. “In respect to easier migration, I am implementing the AU (African Union) and SADC instruments I am signatory to. I don’t condone your segregatory attitude,” he declares.
Masisi counters objections by highlighting the lack of opposition when a similar measure was applied with Namibia. “When we did that with Namibia, you didn’t object, but now because it is Zimbabwe, you are looking down upon them, segregating them, adopting xenophobic tendencies,” he points out.
Drawing attention to the paradox of lawmakers expressing disdain for Zimbabweans while clandestinely employing them, Masisi challenges his colleagues. “You hate people, but I want to assure you, dare you even, if we were to check your phone contacts, many of you have illegal Zimbabweans’ phone numbers because you are using them for all kinds of duties.”
Masisi urged fellow legislators not to undermine his decision, stating, “To create databases, we will make sure to collect their full data at the border posts. We are trying to make them law-abiding, and it’s good governance. It’s good neighborliness.”
Emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships with neighboring countries, Masisi draws parallels with the removal of passport requirements between Botswana and Namibia, challenging any negative attitudes. “Precisely we used to be looked down upon by the Namibians, and you have now adopted that bad attitude, who taught you that.”
Masisi remains resolute in his decision and advocates for a more inclusive regional approach. “You might not like them, yes, but wait until you are in power, then you can chase them away. I stand by my action.”
