MPs accuse DIS, OP of �running� Labour Ministry
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday June 2, 2015 15:27
The question arose during a heated question and answer session focusing on Botswana’s blacklisting of certain individuals. Government has slapped several individuals from countries that do not ordinarily require visas, with visa requirements in what critics say is an attempt to keep them out of the country.
Among people blacklisted are actor Rick Yune, Survival International Director Stephen Corey and Julius Malema. “How do we put people in that list from countries that do not need visas to come to Botswana,” asked Selebi Phikwe West legislator, Dithapelo Keorapetse.
“We have seen politicians, musicians and international journalists who have reported critically about this country as well as other dignitaries being denied access to Botswana.
“Some have even been told to apply for visas, which were rejected. “How do you come up with that decision to put those individuals on that list and is there anyone from that list who has ever been granted a visa after applying for it?”
Matome said while she was not sure of the criteria used for slapping visa requirements on specific individuals, she denied that the OP and DIS influenced her ministry.
“I am aware that there are people placed under visa restrictions but I don’t have the reasons as to why they are restricted,” she said.
“However, it is solely my ministry that does this. I do not have a document that explains why everyone on the list is put on it but the OP and DIS do not interfere with what we do.
“We do have a working relationship with them and I think it’s a proper relationship, but I don’t think there is interference of any kind.”