Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH Africa has temporarily suspended operations at Kopfontein Port of Entry, which connects it with Botswana, following infrastructure challenges caused by a spillage near the residential area in the vicinity of the port.
The commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, announced the closure in a media statement on Friday.
He said the spillage had affected the operational area of the port, making it unsafe for travellers and officials, and the decision to suspend operations was taken in consultation with Botswana authorities.
“The spillage has had an impact on the operational area of the port, making it necessary to temporarily suspend operations to address the situation and ensure the safety of travellers and officials,” said Dr Masiapato.
He said travellers intending to cross between South Africa and Botswana may use alternative ports of entry, namely Skilpadshek and Ramatlabama, until further notice.
It is understood that the closure of Kopfontein is expected to have a ripple effect across the region, particularly at Beitbridge Border Post, which is Zimbabwe’s busiest gateway to South Africa and a key transit corridor for the SADC region.
A significant volume of commercial and private traffic travelling between Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa often transits via Botswana, using the Kazungula and Platfontein borders before entering South Africa through Kopfontein, Skilpadshek and other Botswana-South Africa ports.
With Kopfontein now closed, transporters who normally use that route are likely to reroute through Skilpadshek and Ramatlabama, and for those heading further north, through Beitbridge.
In addition, this could increase traffic volumes at Beitbridge in the coming days, especially for north-bound commercial trucksbthat use the Botswana route to avoid congestion.
