Botswana on Wednesday issued a travel warning advising its citizens against travelling to neighbouring South Africa where a fresh bout of xenophobia has seen locals attacking and destroying property owned by fellow black Africans.
International Affairs and Cooperation Minister Daphne Mlotshwa advised “all Batswana traveling to South Africa to exercise extreme caution in light of recent developments resulting in violent unrests in some parts of the Republic of South Africa.”
The unrest, which began on Monday, has seen hordes of South Africans attacking black foreigners in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding towns.
Mlotshwa cautioned Batswana residing in South Africa to avoid areas affected by the unrest and to remain vigilant at all times.
She said her ministry would continue “to monitor the events as they unfold and to advise the public accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the Botswana Bus Association said on Wednesday that none of their operations have so far been affected.
Association chairman Tirafalo Mponang however urged operators to be vigilant, adding that they continue to engage with government on whether to continue with business.
The Ministry of Transport is currently considering ways to assist the logistics sector which has been affected by ongoing protests in South Africa.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alicia Mokone told Yarona FM radio station that the government is engaging with different stakeholders to establish a suitable approach to the developments.
Truckers in South Africa have engaged in an unsanctioned protest against companies which hire foreign nationals at low wages.
Reports indicate that several trucks have already been torched in the protests.
Mokone revealed that some fuel distributors have been unable to make deliveries into the country as a result of the protests.
KO/jn/APA