Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEAN border officials and their South African counterparts have started working on contingent plans to clear increased traffic through Beitbridge border post during the forthcoming Easter and Independence holidays.
The plans will cover the period between 14 April and 23 April.
This year’s Easter will begin on April 18 which is also Zimbabwe’s Independence Day and end on 21 April.
Regional Immigration Officer (RIO) in-charge of Beitbridge, Mr Joshua Chibundu said they had adequate manpower to clear traffic at all the three terminals.
These include the freight, bus and private cars and pedestrian terminals.
“We have started working on plans to process traffic during the Independence and Easter holidays, most of which will include adopting the flow process we used during the festive period between December Last year and January this year,” said Mr Chibundu.
“As a department we have adequate manpower and we are ever ready to service traffic passing through all the three terminals.
“At the same time we encourage travellers to avoid side dealings and they must note that Immigration counters do not require the use of agents. Those travelling with children should ensure that they have all the relevant documents”.
South Africa’s Border Management Authority spokesperson, deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said all their Executives will be deployed at various ports of entry from 20 April to enhance seamless operation.
“We are preparing for the Easter operations at ports of entry. Our apex dates and the exit leg is from 14-17 April 2025 and most travellers will return from 20-23 April 2025 from Easter holidays. The BMA will be in exactly two years and a lot of profiles of ports of entry will be done this year,” she said.
