Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THE community of Mabuledi in the Mphoengs area under Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province, has used a moment of celebration to voice a heartfelt appeal for expanded services at the newly refurbished Mpoengs Border Post.
For residents whose daily lives are shaped by distance, borders and shared histories, the upgraded facility represents more than fresh paint and new roofing — it symbolises the possibility of dignity, connection and easier movement across a line that has never truly separated families.
The appeal was delivered through the community’s traditional leadership, with Chief Sangulube standing as their voice during the commissioning ceremony held last Sunday. As the new-look border post was officially unveiled, the Chief spoke not only as a custodian of culture, but as a representative of people who live with the reality of the border every day.
The refurbishment of the border post was carried out at a cost of US$40 000, funds that were jointly mobilised by five companies — Garsu Parsaulis, Zagim, Gwanda Lithium, Muhammed Wholesalers and Amanat. The investment breathed new life into an ageing structure that had long struggled to meet modern demands.
The old roof was replaced, walls were repainted and recast, and the infrastructure was strengthened to reflect its growing importance. A solar backup power system was installed, ensuring continuity of operations, while new security features were added, bringing the facility in line with current standards and expectations.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Chido Sanyatwe, officially commissioned the border post at a ceremony attended by senior Government officials from both Zimbabwe and Botswana. The gathering underscored the importance of the port of entry, not only as a point of control, but as a bridge linking neighbouring communities.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Mabuledi, Chief Sangulube made a direct and emotional appeal for services that reflect the lived realities of border communities.
“We are appealing for a service where bodies of our deceased relatives will be repatriated for burial through this Port of Entry where the distance is shorter when one wants to reach our villages,” said the traditional leader.
He went on to highlight the challenges faced by elderly community members who often struggle to obtain passports.
“We also request that elderly people may be allowed to pass through this border using their National Identity Documents to attend funerals for their relatives across the border, noting that most of them are struggling to acquire passports. You will note that we have families in Botswana and as for me there are three chiefs of my clan across the border and we would want to visit each other on different family programmes”.
Chief Sangulube said that the border, though officially recognised, has never erased shared identities, kinship ties and long-standing traditions. He revealed that one of the chiefs in the neighbouring community in Botswana is his cousin brother, reinforcing how deeply intertwined the two sides remain in culture and social life.
“This border post should facilitate our relationship with our people on the other side as much as it will facilitate easy of doing business. No one should separate us,” added the Chief.
He further appealed for unlimited access to rummage sales of confiscated goods at the border, pointing out that the community’s close proximity to the Port of Entry places them in a unique position to benefit from such opportunities.
Also speaking at the same occasion, Mangwe District Development Coordinator, Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, raised concerns around access to identity documentation in border communities. She encouraged the Department of Civil Registry to consider rolling out a registration outreach programme specifically targeting people living within the border catchment area.
Ms Mlotshwa stressed that access to primary civil documents such as birth certificates and national identity cards is critical, not only for movement, but for participation in future development programmes.
“We are glad that the Registrar General is in attendance. We have many people who were born outside the country who are not registered, may your office facilitate outreach programmes to assist our people to get the Identity documents,” said Ms Mlotshwa.
The refurbished border post, now equipped with the Online Border Management System, is expected to ease congestion and reduce pressure on Plumtree Border Post, offering an alternative route for travellers and traders alike.
However, beneath the optimism of the upgrade lies a pressing concern. The road leading to the border post remains in a poor state and requires urgent attention. During the rainy season, officials from Plumtree heading to the border are sometimes forced to travel via Francistown because the direct route becomes impassable.
Currently, the only reliably trafficable section is the 69 kilometre stretch from Plumtree town to Tshitshi Business Centre, which is tarred. Beyond that, the road deteriorates sharply, hindering smooth access to the border.
Mpoengs Border Post also serves as a link to Matobo District, further increasing its strategic importance. As the freshly refurbished buildings stand ready to welcome travellers, the community’s appeal remains clear — true development must go beyond infrastructure. It must answer the needs of people, honour shared histories and ensure that progress reaches the ground where ordinary lives unfold.
@themkhust
