Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Pius Mokgware, has addressed questions regarding the implementation of the recently reviewed Citizenship Act, which includes provisions for dual citizenship and the repeal of the default position on citizenship. The inquiry, posed by Goretetse Kekgonegile, MP for Maun East, sought clarity on the issuance of directives and citizen engagement plans under the new legislation.
Mokgware outlined that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill No. 26 of 2024, along with the National Registration (Amendment) Bill No. 25 of 2024 and the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill No. 24 of 2024, were debated and passed by Parliament on August 20, 2024. However, he emphasized that the legislative process had not yet concluded as the bills were still awaiting assent to become law.
“The process of assent, which involves the signing of all the bills into law, has not been completed,” Mokgware informed Parliament. He assured the House that the process was in its final stages and expected to conclude within the week.
In response to whether directives had been issued to districts regarding the implementation of the Act, Mokgware confirmed that such directives would be issued once the legislative process was finalized. “The Ministry intends to issue a directive and address citizens across the country, including those living in Ngamiland, as soon as the process has been concluded,” he stated.
Mokgware further elaborated on the Ministry’s plans for education and awareness campaigns. The campaigns will involve the Ministry’s leadership conducting outreach to inform citizens about the provisions of the new Act. This effort aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the updated legislation among the populace, particularly in areas like Ngamiland, where concerns over dual citizenship have been prevalent.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement as it rolls out the new legal framework, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and clarity in addressing public concerns.
Mokgware concluded by expressing confidence in the Ministry’s readiness to implement the Act effectively once it receives the necessary assent.
