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Botswana Issues Travel Warning Over South Africa Unrest

Mqondisi Dube

   GABORONE, BOTSWANA - The Botswana government has issued a travel
   warning to its citizens over the growing unrest in South Africa. The
   attacks, targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, are likely to
   affect Botswana, which is dependent on its neighbor for food imports
   and petroleum products.

   Mpho Keitumetse is a cross-border trader who buys second-hand clothes
   in Johannesburg, for resale in her home country, Botswana.

   However, her business has come to a standstill since attacks targeting
   foreign nationals in South Africa broke out last week.

   Keitumetse has been forced to stay home until the situation improves.

   "The attacks in South Africa are really bad for business," Keitumetse
   said. "They are affecting us all. As neighboring countries, we do
   business together. Ever since these attacks started, I have not been
   able to deliver on my business because I buy my stock from South
   Africa. Everything has been put on hold, for how long I don't know."

   While Botswana immigration officials say it has been business as usual
   at entry points, taxi operators are not taking chances, with some, like
   Mompati Kobe, grounding their fleet.

   Kobe argues it is too risky to drive to Johannesburg where most of the
   attacks have occurred.

   "These unrests have really affected us," Kobe said. "It is now
   difficult to take our vehicles there because you never know, they might
   burn them. Some of the vehicles are not insured. For now, we have
   grounded our services until the situation calms down."

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