Author: Daily News

Christmas Day brought more than festive cheer at Princess Marina Hospital maternity ward, as 21 babies were born.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing Superintendent, Ms Cecilia Mooketsi said the hospital welcomed 12 baby boys and nine girls on the day, making it a memorable Christmas for families and health workers alike.

She praised the commitment of nurses and midwives who worked through out the holidays, noting that while many were celebrating with their families, maternity staff were on duty to safely usher in new life. 

Among the new mothers was Ms Goitseone Baipoledi, who delivered her second child shortly after lunchtime. Holding her newborn, she described the birth as the greatest Christmas gift, saying the moment brought joy and gratitude to her family.

Kgosi Khama IV of Bangwato on Christmas Day gifted children with hampers at his home in Serowe. 

Kgosi Khama, who is also the former president, traditionally donates Christmas gifts to children in Serowe and surrounding villages demonstrating the love for the children. 

The gesture is an annual event that his family has carried on for decades.

Appreciating the gifts, Ms Wame Letlhare, whose children received gifts, commended Kgosi Khama for his continuous efforts in demonstrating love to the children through donations for decades.

Patrons of bar outlets around Gaborone have expressed gratitude to the government for increasing liqour licence trading operating hours over the festive season.

The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship recently announced an extension of liquor trading hours over the festive season, permitting bars to operate from 10am until 6am, what alcohol clients term ‘lalavoka’ in local parlance.

The Daily News spent the early morning of Christmas Day observing the situation at  outlets in the vicinity of Gaborone and patrons largely expressed positive sentiments.

A patron in Mogoditshane said throughout the Christmas Eve night into the morning of Christmas Day, scores of people had been imbibing and listening to music at the Tsabong complex, in an orderly manner.

Another person said business was likely to boom for bars but expressed the concern that nightclubs might struggle to gain clients over the festive season, as people may prefer to buy liquor at a cheaper price in bars.

Similar sentiments were expressed by bar employees and patrons at Gaborone’s Phase 2, Block 5 and Block 6 precincts. 

They said there had not been any incidents of disorderly conduct often associated with long hours of alcohol consumption.

As the festive travel season reaches its peak, Tlokweng Border Post officials are raising the alarm over a recurring issue of parents attempting to cross the border with children without the required birth certificates or parental affidavits.

According to Immigration administration officer, Mr Emmanuel Lephirimile, a significant surge in movement began the week of December 13, largely driven by families travelling for holiday shopping.

However, many travellers are arriving at the gates unprepared.

Mr Lephirimile explained that a passport alone was not enough for minors.

Under current regulations, any child under the age of 18 must travel with a valid passport and an unabridged birth certificate.

“In the absence of one parent, we require an affidavit from the absent parent, along with a copy of their Omang (identity card), authorising the other parent to travel with the child. Even when a relative, such as an uncle, travels with the child, both parents must provide authorised affidavits granting permission,” he said.

Officials noted that many parents, both mothers and fathers, were found lacking the necessary paperwork.

Many mistakenly believed that their physical presence or verbal confirmation of parenthood would be sufficient to clear immigration.

The documentation rules also apply to birth certificates that do not list a father’s name.

In such cases, the mother is the sole legal guardian, however, if the father intends to travel with the child alone, the mother must still provide an affidavit authorising the trip.

Beyond missing certificates, immigration officers are grappling with a spike in damaged or expired travel documents.

Mr Lephirimile noted that broken pages, water-soaked covers and expired passports were common sights during the holiday rush.

“We often see people reach the border only to realise their passport has already expired,” he said.

While the department may occasionally consider the urgency of travel, they maintain strict standards for those heading beyond neighbouring borders.

Mr Lephirimile reminded citizens that while High Commissions and Embassies can facilitate certain travel documents, they were not always a quick fix for a damaged passport at the border. Travellers are urged to inspect their documents weeks before their departure date to avoid being turned away. 

Some Bakhurutshe women on December 23 came together to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, spreading joy and warmth to all.

Hosted by Mohumagadi Koontse Radipitse, wife of Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse, the Christmas party was a vibrant showcase of love, compassion and sisterhood.

Under the theme: Mosadi wa Tsholofelo (Luke 1:45), the women gathered at the Talk of the Village gardens in Tonota, dressed in festive attire and Christmas hats, radiating happiness and hope.

Mohumagadi Radipitse shared that the event aimed to recognise women as pillars of the nation, deserving of love, respect and celebration.

Mohumagadi Radipitse announced that the event would be an annual tradition, with next year’s celebration expected to be even more spectacular.

Motivational speakers, including Ms Kgalalelo Mashane, encouraged the women to support and uplift each other, embracing their inner strength and potential.

“Let us be the women spoken of in Luke 1:45, filled with faith and purpose,” she said.