Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE newly upgraded Beitbridge border post continues to see a growing number of travellers from Zimbabwe and countries north of the Zambezi River, benefiting from improved efficiencies driven by automated services and the permanent segregation of traffic into freight, buses, light vehicles and pedestrian lanes.
To reduce delays, Zimbabwean and South African border officials have harmonised operations and enhanced co-operation through the Integrated Inter-Border Agencies Committee.
South Africa has also deployed additional immigration officers to the Beitbridge post to facilitate the swift flow of people and vehicles during the busy festive season.
According to statistics from Zimbabwe’s Department of Immigration, a total of 269 075 travellers crossed the port of entry between 1 December and 19. The figure includes 177 977 arrivals and 91 098 departures.
Prior to the completion of a $300 million modernisation project in 2021, implemented through a public-private partnership between the Government and the Zimborders Consortium, many travellers opted for alternative, less congested border posts via Mozambique and Botswana to avoid long delays at Beitbridge. At that time, crossing formalities could take 24 hours or more.
The upgraded border now features three separate terminals to handle freight, buses, and light passenger vehicles, significantly streamlining traffic flow.
Regional Immigration Officer for Zimbabwe’s Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, acknowledged the rising traffic volumes but assured that border agencies remain in control.
“The volume of traffic is increasing and we are in control as Zimbabwean border agencies,” Mr Chibundu said. “So far, we have cleared a total of 269 075 travellers between December 1 and December 19. These include 177 977 arrivals and 91 098 departures.”
He added, “We have deployed enough manpower on the ground to ensure the movement of travellers is seamless and at the same time we encourage travellers to avoid engaging conmen and wheeler dealers. As a department, we don’t use middlemen.”
On average, the department processes 18 000 travellers and 250 buses daily during this peak period, up from off-peak figures of 12 000 travellers and 120 buses per day. These numbers are expected to rise further as Christmas approaches.
Mr Chibundu noted that the regional compliance and enforcement unit is vigilant in preventing irregular migrants and fraudsters from entering the port of entry.
He advised parents to ensure their children travel with trustworthy relatives and carry all necessary supporting documents, including valid passports.
“In addition, they must carry with them the necessary supporting documents in addition to having valid passports,” he emphasised.
Mr Chibundu urged travellers to co-operate fully with border authorities to avoid delays and complications.
The border efficiency peak period management system is scheduled to remain in effect from 5 December through to 15 January.
