By Johnathan Paoli
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced the partial reopening of the Lebombo port of entry from Friday afternoon, to allow for the movement of people and the potential opening for cargo processing.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said that Mozambique was busy finalising its preparations for cargo processing, and that would be allowed as soon as their officials were ready and stationed at the processing areas.
Masiapato, the Port Management Committee, the Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison department, and MEC Jackie Macie, have all agreed on the partial reopening on the assurance that operations would proceed with safety measures taken for all stakeholders.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe cross-border movement and trade to avoid further loss of revenue.
“The high-level engagement was fruitful with the government of Mozambique’s national leadership at the Lebombo port of entry for workable solutions and discussions.
“Cargo movement between South Africa and Mozambique will resume as soon as the systems on the Mozambique side are ready. This meeting was critical and provided a strategy for a safe and controlled partial reopening of the border,” Masiapato said.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the proactive strategy has also been employed to engage trucking companies, formal traders and associations to provide updates on the discussions on the ground.
She said the BMA appreciated the understanding and cooperation of the public during this challenging time, saying that the safety and wellbeing of all travellers and personnel at the port of entry remained the top priority.
Meanwhile, the Road Freight Association (RFA) has revealed that South Africa’s economy has suffered losses exceeding R50 million due to the closure.
It was triggered by escalating protests and political unrest in Mozambique following that country’s general election October.
It has severely impacted exports, imports and the logistics industry.
The latest disruptions come as violent demonstrations against the election results intensified, particularly in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo.
RFA CEO Gavin Kelly said that the situation had led to hundreds of trucks, carrying critical cargo such as chrome and coal, being stranded at the border.
Kelly highlighted that the R50 million included both direct and indirect costs, such as damaged goods, blocked supply chains, and the need for increased security as the safety of drivers and trucks remained the one of the biggest challenges.
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