Use of O Mang for cross- border travel mooted
Vice President Slumber Tsogwane says there is nothing wrong with President Mokgweetsi Masisi having made promises and not yet fulfilled them.
According to Tsogwane, some of the promises have been facing challenges but the government is working around the clock to ensure that they are fulfilled. One of them is the proposal to eventually use of ID cards, known as Omang as travel documents.
Tsogwane said President Masisi and Dr. Hage Geingob of Namibia are exploring the possibility of using National Identity Cards as travel documents between the two countries. He told Parliament that the process leading to its development began in earnest.
Tsogwane revealed that the two countries have since set up a technical committee that started preparations of a concept note with details on technical and security aspects that ensure the authenticity of travel documents, as well as accommodating travel and migration requirements.
According to the Vice President, these have since been captured.
Tsogwane who was speaking during the Leader of the House question time said the consultations are necessary to ensure that administrative, technical,
legal and infrastructural requirements are in place to facilitate citizens.
“This is a timeous and detailed process which is done with utmost care considering issues of security and its sustainability. The development of this type of Identity also required that the internal processes be strengthened to accommodate the requisite primary feeder documents in both the two countries,” Tsogwane explained.
He said the use of the National Identity Cards for cross- border travel between the two countries will undoubtedly serve as a powerful driver for economic and regional integration, as well as facilitate trade and movement of people between the two countries.
He explained that the consolidated information, already alluded to, is to be considered at the upcoming Botswana/ Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation which is scheduled for this month, following which a programme or plan for implementation will be made.
According to Tsogwane, even though Masisi made the statement in 2019, he cannot be blamed that after three years there is nothing to show.
He said work is in progress. “You may not know, maybe the problem would be on the other side of the border,” Tsogwane said.
Member of Parliament for Maun West Dumelang Saleshando asked the Vice President to brief Parliament on progress made on the introduction of the National Identity Card ( Omang) as an acceptable tool for crossing the border into Namibia and back for Botswana nationals as was promised by the President in the run up to the 2019 General Election.
Saleshando has expressed concern that there are many promises that the president has made but when it comes to implementation there is nothing to show.
He wondered why this is not worrisome to the government of the day.