Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) has called for urgent, coordinated solutions to end the ongoing delays of commercial cargo at Beitbridge Border Post, warning that finger-pointing will not resolve the congestion crippling one of Southern Africa’s busiest trade corridors.
In a statement on Monday, SFAAZ Chief Executive Mr Washington Dube said the recent queues of trucks stretching for kilometres have disrupted cargo movement, increased transport costs and affected businesses that rely on smooth imports and exports.
“As often happens when delays occur, attention has quickly turned to identifying who is responsible. However, the reality appears to be far more complex than assigning blame to a single stakeholder,” said Mr Dube.
According to SFAAZ, industry engagements over the past week show the congestion is the result of several operational challenges occurring at the same time.
A temporary disruption to electronic payment systems slowed cargo processing, while a large number of abnormal-load vehicles occupied limited operational space. This came at a time when traffic volumes remained high.
“Border operations are by nature sequential. Every stage depends on the one before it. When one process slows down, the effects are felt throughout the entire system,” said Mr Dube.
He added that limited holding areas for trucks awaiting formalities have also contributed, as saturated operational space inevitably slows movement regardless of individual efficiency.
Mr Dube stressed that the situation should be viewed as a border management challenge rather than the responsibility of one group.
“Customs clearing agents, transport operators, regulatory authorities and other service providers all form part of the same logistics chain. None operates in isolation, and none can by itself determine the overall flow of traffic,” he said.
He noted that South Africa’s Border Management Authority and SARS have confirmed operations on their side are normal, but pointed to congestion on the Zimbabwean side from limited parking, abnormal loads and slower processing. Importantly, they have also engaged Zimbabwean counterparts to find practical solutions.
Mr Dube said the situation offers an opportunity to review operations end-to-end.
He proposed extending operating hours where demand requires, increasing holding capacity, improving traffic management, reviewing procedures during peak periods, and strengthening coordination among all stakeholders.
“Equally important is continuous communication between Government agencies, freight forwarders, transport operators and the private sector. Many operational challenges can be resolved more quickly when information is shared in real time,” he said.
Mr Dube said Beitbridge is more than a border post — it is Zimbabwe’s principal gateway for regional trade and one of Africa’s busiest inland ports. Delays affect SADC supply chains, increase business costs and ultimately hurt consumers and exporters.
“The focus therefore should not be on identifying a single party to blame. The greater priority is ensuring that every stakeholder plays its part in restoring the efficient movement of cargo,” he said.
“A collaborative approach, built on open dialogue, continuous operational improvements and shared responsibility, offers the best prospect of reducing congestion and strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive regional trade hub.”
