Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
TRAFFIC volumes at Beitbridge Border Post are gradually increasing as thousands of Zimbabweans working in South Africa, popularly known as injiva, begin their annual journey home, to spend Christmas with their families.
Authorities on both sides of the Zimbabwe-South Africa border have activated an integrated traffic-flow management system aimed at easing congestion and enhancing traveller safety during the festive season.
The harmonised system, which involves synchronised operations and coordinated movement of travellers and vehicles, came into effect last Wednesday and will run until 15 January.
Beitbridge Border Post, which links South Africa to the north-bound regional corridor serving countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana, traditionally experiences a sharp rise in both human and vehicular traffic during peak holiday periods.
Assistant Regional Immigration Officer at Beitbridge, Mr Lucky Matyora, said the two countries are working closely to ensure smooth movement through the port of entry.
“We are using harmonised systems that include the permanent separation of traffic and close co-ordination with our South African counterparts,” said Mr Matyora.
He said between 6 December and last Friday, immigration authorities cleared an average of 8 000 travellers per day on the arrival side and about 5 000 on the departure side.
Mr Matyora said the numbers are expected to rise sharply from today following the closure of schools and the annual shutdown of companies in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We are equal to the task and have adequate manpower. So far, we have not yet felt the full impact of increased traffic. We have deployed sufficient staff across all terminals for buses, light vehicles, pedestrians and freight to enhance efficiency and compliance,” he said.
Mr Matyora urged travellers to report directly to immigration counters and avoid the use of third parties, including touts and conmen.
“Travellers should avoid intermediaries who often create unnecessary inconveniences and delays,” he said.
Mr Matyora said the modernisation ofthe border post, particularly the permanent separation of traffic, has significantly eased congestion and improved service delivery.
“Under the transformed border facility, travellers now receive customised services at three automated terminals,” he said.
Mr Matyora added that the introduction of the Online Border Management System and electronic gates (eGates) has drastically reduced processing times compared to previous years.
“We encourage visitors to Zimbabwe, especially those requiring visas, to make use of the Online Border Management System so that clearance is done prior to arrival,” said Mr Matyora.
“Applications can be lodged via our website, www.evisa.gov.zw, which simplifies the process as only a few compliance checks will be required upon arrival.”
Mr Matyora also urged holders of the new e-passports to use eGates to avoid unnecessary delays.
Parents travelling with children were advised to ensure minors are accompanied by responsible guardians and carry all required supporting documents in addition to valid passports.
During off-peak periods, Beitbridge Border Post processes an average of 15 000 travellers, 1 000 commercial trucks, 120 buses and about 2 000 light vehicles daily—figures that typically double during the festive season.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi, said the country launched its 2025/2026 festive season operational plan in Pretoria last Sunday.
“The execution phase commenced on 10 December and will end on 15 January.This phase is divided into two legs, that is the exit phase from 10 December to 31 December and the return phase from 1 to 15 January 2026,” she said.
Asst Comm Mogotsi said corridors leading to land ports of entry will be fully monitored to ensure efficient traffic management.
“The BMA will be supported by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency and provincial traffic authorities,” she said.
Asst Comm Mogotsi said additional resources have been deployed across border posts, with some ports operating between 16 and 24 hours daily to manage the festive surge.
