Govt Plans Fund for Returning Bodies from Abroad
Government considers a repatriation fund to help families struggling to bring home deceased Batswana from abroad
BONGANI MALUNGA
The Ministry of International Relations has proposed the establishment of a national repatriation fund or dedicated policy to assist families facing the overwhelming cost of bringing home deceased Batswana from abroad.
The proposal comes amid growing concern over the financial burden placed on grieving families, many of whom are forced into emergency fundraising campaigns to cover the cost of transporting bodies back to Botswana. Repatriation expenses frequently exceed P100 000 depending on the country involved, funeral arrangements and administrative requirements.
Botswana currently does not have a standing government policy that guarantees repatriation assistance for citizens who die outside the country. Authorities have instead consistently encouraged Batswana travelling, studying, working or living abroad to obtain insurance policies that include emergency evacuation and body repatriation cover.
REPATRIATION FRAMEWORK
Appearing before the Government Assurances Committee on Monday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations Thuso Ramodimoosi acknowledged the pressure these costs place on families and indicated that a repatriation framework could help reduce the burden.
“If only we had a fund whereby we would be able to repatriate the corpses. We currently do not have that facility, that’s why we always engage the deceased’s families to assist in making such arrangements,” said Ramodimoosi. The discussion comes against the backdrop of several highly publicised cases that exposed the emotional and financial strain of returning loved ones home.
RECENT CASES
One of the most widely followed cases was that of Keotshepile Naso Isaacs, whose body had to be repatriated to Botswana after she was murdered in Scotland in January 2024. Faced with substantial transportation and funeral-related expenses, her family, supported by members of the public and well-wishers, raised more than P100 000 to bring her body back home. She was eventually laid to rest in her home village of Otse in February 2024.
Another case that captured public attention involved Ireland-based Motswana Jakana Segaiso, who passed away in Letterkenny after battling a rare form of blood cancer. His host family launched a fundraising campaign seeking €10 000 to cover repatriation costs and return his remains to Botswana.
If successful, the ministry’s proposal would establish a structured safety net for citizens living abroad, particularly as migration for work, education and opportunities continue to increase.