Pius Mokgware Reveals Thousands of Foreign Spouses Became Botswana Citizens

More than 4,000 Zimbabwean and South African nationals gained Botswana citizenship through marriage over an eight-year period, according to figures disclosed by Labour and Home Affairs Minister Pius Mokgware. The data covers 2018 to 2026 and was shared in response to a question in Ntlo ya Dikgosi. The totals show that Zimbabweans made up the larger group. A total of 2,947 Zimbabwean nationals acquired citizenship, compared with 1,327 South Africans. Together, the figures add up to 4,274 people, with Zimbabweans accounting for about 69 per cent. Mokgware told The Botswana Gazette that the numbers were largely linked to the countries’ proximity to Botswana and their shared borders. Cross-border movement, he said, has helped create social and family connections, including relationships that have led foreign spouses to seek citizenship. But marrying a Motswana does not automatically make a foreign spouse a Botswana citizen. Applicants must apply for naturalisation and meet requirements set out under the Citizenship Act, the report notes. Among the stated requirements are at least five years of residence in Botswana and a declaration of intention to apply for naturalisation lodged at least two and a half years before the application. Applicants must also show good character, demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Setswana or another language spoken by a tribal community in Botswana, and indicate that they intend to continue living in the country. The process also involves supporting documents, an assessment and a citizenship interview. The final decision rests with the minister. The figures offer a snapshot of how marriage and cross-border family ties have shaped citizenship applications, while also underlining that the process involves formal legal steps rather than an automatic entitlement.