Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
TRAVELLERS passing through the transformed Beitbridge Border Post have commended Zimbabwean authorities for adopting modern border efficiency management systems, which have significantly improved the movement of both cargo and human traffic during this festive season.
A Zimpapers news crew visited the border and observed a marked reduction in clearance times compared to the period before the US$300 million border modernisation programme. Pedestrians, who previously spent more than three hours to enter or exit the country, are now being processed within 20 to 30 minutes.
Motorists with the requisite documentation are spending less than two hours to complete border formalities, a sharp contrast to the 17 to 24 hours that they were once used to at the country’s busiest port of entry.
In separate interviews, travellers attributed the improved efficiency to the segregation of traffic into buses, light vehicles, freight and pedestrians, which has enabled customised and faster service delivery.
“I have been using this border for the past five years and crossing into either Zimbabwe or South Africa used to feel like moving mountains,” said Mr Stanford Mandinyenya, a motorist travelling to Gweru.
“This year, I spent less than two hours completing all border processes, including immigration and vehicle clearance,” he said.
Another motorist, Mr Khumbulani Dube, said the situation had improved significantly following the border’s automation and the deployment of additional staff.
“The digitisation of services has eliminated delays and the old system where motorists had to move from one office to another to get assistance,” he said.
Under the new setup, all line ministries and stakeholders are housed within a single terminal, allowing for seamless co-ordination and faster decision-making.
A Zimbabwean based in South Africa, who identified herself only as Sue, said the atmosphere at the border had visibly improved.
“I am happy with the ambience here. You can see travellers smiling, and some are even taking pictures around the buildings. The work culture has improved compared to the last decade,” she said.
Another traveller, Mr Edmore Demawatema, who was travelling to Kadoma, welcomed the opening of additional service points by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and the Immigration Department.
“Traffic is now being separated in an orderly manner, and security personnel are directing travellers to the correct service points,” he said.
“Accessing a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) has always been a headache for many motorists, but this time we noticed a big change. Separating traffic according to categories was a brilliant idea,” he added.
Another traveller, identified only as Jabu, applauded the improved co-ordination between South African and Zimbabwean border authorities, saying it had helped ease congestion that was common in the past.
“This co-ordination has helped decongest the border, especially during peak travel periods,” he said.
A customs clearing agent, Mr Blessing Matikiti, said enhanced teamwork among border stakeholders was enabling challenges to be resolved promptly.
Border agencies have also invested heavily in ICT infrastructure and deployed additional personnel to manage the surge in traffic traditionally associated with the festive season.
Zimra has opened more service points and kiosks to assist motorists applying for Temporary Import Permits for foreign-registered vehicles.
The authority has also introduced the electronic Temporary Import Permit (e-TIP) system, allowing travellers to submit applications online before arriving at the port of entry.
The Regional Immigration Officer in charge of Beitbridge, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said the situation at the border was stable and his department was adequately prepared for the festive rush.
“The volume of travellers has been increasing since Saturday, when we processed 14 723 travellers and 192 buses. On Sunday, the figure rose to 18 786 travellers and 277 buses,” said Mr Chibundu.
“However, as a department, we are fully prepared to make this festive season memorable while remaining firm in enforcing immigration laws,” he said.
