Zimbos plead for peace

For years, the relationship between Batswana and Zimbabweans living and working in Botswana has been anything but easy hence community leaders in Rasesa are attempting to reconcile the two sides.

Councillors Rutang Bill Mooketsane and Tshenolo Botho Buisanyang, working with retired Superintendent Seremane Sikwane, brought locals and Zimbabweans living in the area together for an open dialogue aimed at easing tensions and finding a way for the two communities to coexist.

Mooketsane said many Batswana remain unsettled by the presence of Zimbabweans, with some believing that foreigners are taking jobs that should belong to citizens and committing crimes.

The tension is particularly noticeable around Rasesa North, where the community is close to farms employing Zimbabwean workers.

According to Mooketsane, some locals complain that Zimbabwean farm workers are prepared to work for less money, making it difficult for Batswana seeking similar work to compete.

The retired Botswana Prisons Superintendent, who worked as a social worker, said some locals exploit undocumented Zimbabweans precisely because they know foreigners may be afraid to report them.

He said some Zimbabweans are allegedly made to work and then denied payment, with employers banking on their immigration status and reluctance to approach authorities.

Sikwane also challenged the tendency to blame foreigners whenever crime occurs.

He said Batswana are involved in criminal activities and should be willing to confront that reality rather than automatically pointing fingers at Zimbabweans.

According to him, only a small proportion of crimes recorded in their area can be linked to foreigners, while the majority is allegedly committed by locals.

For Councillor Buisanyang, the problem is also about perception.

He said many Zimbabweans believe Batswana simply want them deported, creating fear and mistrust between the two groups.

“That is why we decided to have this dialogue, so that we create an environment where foreigners and locals can live together peacefully.”

Some Zimbabweans said they have lived in Botswana for more than 30 years, yet remained without proper documentation. They pleaded with the leadership to assist them regularise their stay so they could live in Botswana legally without constantly fearing deportation.