A pivotal and historic relocation took place as the Governments of the Republic of Botswana and the Republic of Namibia come together to facilitate the relocation of approximately ninety-eight (98) Batswana of Namibian descent from Botswana back to Namibia. These individuals, drawn from forty-nine (49) households, many of whom were born and lived in Botswana for generations, will cross into Namibia through the Dobe Border Post, situated in the north-western region of Botswana.
In a ceremony steeped in significance, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Honourable Anna Maria Mokgethi, will be joined by her counterpart, Honourable Dr. Albert Kawana, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security of Namibia, on the Namibian side of the Dobe Border. This event will mark not just a relocation, but a poignant homecoming for families long separated from their ancestral land.
History reveals that the early 1900s were marked by the wars of occupation in what was then known as South West Africa (modern-day Namibia), which forcibly displaced the Ovaherero and Ovabanderu communities. These resilient groups sought refuge in present-day Botswana, finding solace in Tsau Village as early as 1904-1907. Despite their century-long residence in Botswana, their hearts remained tethered to Namibia, a demonstration to their unwavering sense of identity.
With the dawn of independence in Namibia in September 1990, a significant turning point was reached during a State Visit by Dr. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, and Dr. Q. K. J. Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana. During this historic meeting, both leaders agreed that the time had come for these communities to
reclaim their ancestral ties and relocate to Namibia. To date, two voluntary group relocations have occurred-in 1992-1994 and in August 1996-facilitating the resettlement of a total of one thousand one hundred and six (1,106) individuals back to their homeland.
In recognition of their strong bilateral relations, both countries have engaged in numerous discussions, leading to officials from Namibia undertaking visits to Botswana in 2018 and 2023 to ensure the smooth facilitation of this relocation process.
Realising that the affected persons were at varying stages of readiness, both governments reached a consensus to implement the relocation in phases. Phase I prioritised facilitating individuals from the North West and Okavango Districts. This pragmatic decision considers Namibia’s animal health legislation, which prohibits the relocation of cloven-hooved animals from Botswana’s foot-and-mouth disease red zone.
In Phase II, communities from Ghanzi and Charleshill Districts will be assisted in relocating with their livestock on dates to be determined.
The agreement between Botswana and Namibia to facilitate this relocation carries profound significance. It exemplifies both nations’ commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the Ovaherero and Ovabanderu communities while fulfilling the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, an integral part of Botswana’s migration policy.
Moreover, this relocation initiative underscores the exemplary relations and friendship between Botswana and Namibia, characterised by strong collaboration in various aspects of human development. Both countries have undertaken flagship initiatives, such as the acceptance of National Identity Documents (IDs) as valid travel documents, and the establishment of a 24-hour One Stop Border Post at Mamuno(Trans Kalahari Border to enhance cross-border movement.
As Botswana and Namibia stand at the threshold of this historic occasion, the public is invited to witness this remarkable homecoming which reaffirms the bonds of brotherhood between the two nations.
