NAMIBIA - South West Africa National Union (Swanu), Namibia's oldest political party, has expressed concerns about the challenges faced by the repatriated Batswana of Namibian descent in integrating effectively into Namibian society. During an official welcoming ceremony, Swanu's president, Evalistus Kaaronda, highlighted the need for better integration measures beyond the basic provision of services.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Evalistus Kaaronda spoke on the sidelines of the event, emphasizing the uncertainty that the returnees feel about their future in Namibia. He pointed out that while the government has made efforts to provide basic services at the reception center near Gam, there is a significant need for initiatives that ensure the returnees can become self-sufficient. Kaaronda expressed gratitude towards the government for their initial support but stressed the importance of developing long-term solutions that go beyond temporary aid.

Kaaronda also suggested that the government should grant tourism concessions, fishing quotas, and other rights to the returnees to aid in their economic independence. He criticized the reliance on handouts, stating that such measures are not a sustainable solution and that the returnees aspire to self-sufficiency.

The repatriation process began with the arrival of 98 Namibians at the Dobe border post on Friday. These individuals are descendants of the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu who escaped to Botswana during the 1904-1908 genocide. The group includes both direct descendants and later generations born in Botswana. This event follows the initial repatriation of a group in 1992, under an agreement between Namibia and Botswana, with plans for another group to return soon.

The repatriated individuals are currently accommodated in a reception area located approximately two kilometers outside of Gam, where they await further integration into Namibian society.