Beitbridge traffic to increase following suspension of operations at SA-Botswana border

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

The volume of commercial and human traffic is expected to surge at the Beitbridge Border Post following the temporary closure of the South Africa-Botswana border due to high water levels at the port of entry.

The Grobler’s Bridge Border handles transit traffic to inland SADC.

Of late, Beitbridge has been handling an average of 1000 commercial trucks daily, with the Grobler’s handling an estimated 300 trucks every day.

In a statement last night, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) advised transporters to use alternative border posts.

“The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato wishes to inform all travellers, transport operators, and stakeholders that operations at Grobler’s Bridge Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to adverse conditions caused by high water levels as a result of the rainfall,” said the BMA.

The BMA said operations were temporarily suspended to prioritise safety following consultations with Botswana authorities.

“We assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored on an hourly basis, and regular updates will be provided.

“For diversion of movements, Stockpoort and Platjan ports of entry can be used as alternatives by travellers and small vehicles as these are non-commercial ports.

“For cargo movements, travellers and truck operators are advised to use Skilpadshek, Ramatlabama, Beitbridge and Kopfontein as alternative ports of entry”.

The BMA said the alternative ports of entry are operating as follows: Stockpoort – 06:00hrs-18:00hrs, Platjan – 06:00hrs-18:00hrs, Skilpadshek – 06:00hrs-00:00hrs, Kopfontein – 06:00hrs–00:00hrs and Ramatlabama – 06:00hrs-22:00hrs, while Beitbridge is operating round the clock.