Botswana’s major bus terminals in Gaborone and Francistown have become bustling hubs as the festive season spurs a wave of travel. Expatriates from neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria, are making long journeys to reunite with families and loved ones for the holidays. The annual tradition, filled with joy and anticipation, is also marked by challenges, ranging from financial constraints to logistical delays.
For Tariro Mverechena, a Zimbabwean expatriate employed in Gaborone, this annual trip is more than a holiday—it is an emotional reunion with her children and family back home. “I am so very happy,” Mverechena said as she boarded a bus bound for Zimbabwe. The journey, while long and often uncomfortable, is one she treasures. She plans to stay until mid-January 2025, ensuring she spends ample time with her family before returning to her job in Botswana.
Mverechena is just one of many Zimbabwean expatriates seizing the opportunity to travel home. Zimbabwe remains one of the top sources of expatriate workers in Botswana, with many employed in agriculture, retail, and domestic service. The festive season provides a rare chance to break from their demanding schedules and reconnect with their roots.
The journey home, however, is not without its difficulties. For Adam Moyo, another Zimbabwean expatriate, the excitement of seeing his family is tempered by the challenges he faces along the way. Travelling from Ghanzi in western Botswana, Moyo must endure a gruelling three-day trip to Harare, exacerbated by delays at the Ramokgwebana Border Post. “It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it to be with my family,” Moyo shared, his voice tinged with both weariness and determination. He plans to return to Botswana shortly after the holidays to continue his work in the agricultural sector.
For Nelson Banda, a Malawian teacher working in Francistown, this year’s journey home to Lilongwe carries particular significance. Banda was unable to return home during the last festive season due to financial constraints stemming from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This year, I made it a priority,” he explained. His trip underscores the emotional and cultural importance of homecomings, especially in communities where family connections are deeply cherished.
Not all expatriates are heading home for the holidays, however. Mozambican national Adriano Nalingo has decided to remain in Botswana, citing concerns over unrest following Mozambique’s contentious October elections. The elections, which saw Daniel Chapo declared president, have been accompanied by political instability, discouraging many from returning. Instead, Nalingo has chosen to send provisions to his family in Maputo, ensuring they can celebrate the festive season despite his absence.
Others have opted for alternative travel arrangements to mitigate the challenges of overland travel. Nigerian expatriate Victor Akinyemi, for instance, has chosen to fly to Abuja, Nigeria, despite the high cost of air travel. “It’s expensive, but it saves time,” Akinyemi explained. For him, the festive season is an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with his family and reinforce the bonds that sustain him through the year.
The annual travel of expatriates during the festive season highlights the complex realities of living abroad in Botswana. While the country provides employment opportunities that sustain many families across the region, the sacrifices expatriates make are profound. For many, the long and arduous journeys home are a poignant reminder of the distance—both physical and emotional—that separates them from their loved ones.
The festive season also brings into sharp focus the socio-economic disparities that shape the experiences of expatriates. While some, like Akinyemi, can afford the convenience of air travel, others must contend with the challenges of overland journeys, including long waits at border crossings, limited transport options, and financial constraints.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of the season prevails. Across Botswana, expatriates are embracing the opportunity to celebrate with their families, even if it means enduring significant hardship. For many, the joy of reuniting with loved ones outweighs the difficulties of the journey, underscoring the resilience and determination that define the expatriate experience.
As the holiday season unfolds, the stories of these travellers serve as a testament to the enduring importance of family and community. Whether travelling by bus, plane, or not at all, the season offers a moment to reflect on the ties that bind us and the sacrifices we make to honour them. For the expatriates of Botswana, the festive season is not just a time of celebration—it is a reminder of home, hope, and the enduring human spirit.
