Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
ZIMBABWE and South Africa border authorities are intensifying preparations for the Easter holiday rush, with integrated clearance measures being rolled out at Beitbridge Border Post to manage the anticipated surge in traveller and cargo movement.
Authorities on the Zimbabwean side have separated traffic into dedicated terminals for freight, buses, light vehicles and pedestrians, while automation has been strengthened at both immigration and customs clearance points.
The harmonised system is designed to reduce congestion and improve processing efficiency during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Regional immigration officer for the southern region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said Zimbabwe has activated border efficiency management systems that have previously proven effective during peak periods.
“As immigration department, we are ready to deal with a surge in traffic during the Easter holidays this year. We are going to employ the same measures we use during peak periods, which have proved to be effective,” he said.
Mr Chibundu said measures include the deployment of additional staff, collapsing of shifts, suspension of leave days and strengthened coordination among border agencies to maintain full operational capacity.
He said authorities were also working closely with security agencies to curb illegal crossings and enforce full compliance with immigration procedures.
Mr Chibundu warned travellers against using intermediaries during clearance processes.
“As the Department of Immigration, we don’t have intermediaries and hence we encourage travellers to ensure their passports are cleared by immigration officers in their presence,” he said.
Authorities have also heightened vigilance against child trafficking and illegal movement of minors, which often increases during holiday periods.
Mr Chibundu said guardians travelling with children under 18 must carry valid passports for themselves and the child, together with affidavits of consent from parents.
Where one parent is travelling with a child, an affidavit from the non-travelling parent is required, along with copies of identity documents or passports and the child’s birth certificate.
Mr Chibundu said enough security personnel had been deployed in known crime hotspot areas to tighten control around the border.
On the South African side, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has also announced an Easter festive season border plan covering all 71 ports of entry.
In a statement released on Sunday, the authority said measures include increased staffing, opening of more service points, longer operating hours and stronger use of technology.
“As the Border Management Authority, we present the Easter Festive Season Plan which is aimed at ensuring the efficient, secure and seamless movement of people and goods across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry during the Easter period. Some measures include Extended Operating Hours, Increased Staffing, Improved Infrastructure and Technology Integration,” said the authority.
The South African plan will run in phases from March 31 to April 9.
The first phase covers outbound traffic from March 31 to April 4, while the second phase targets return traffic from April 5 to April 9.
Authorities expect the busiest outbound movement on Thursday, with return traffic peaking on Easter Monday.
The Border Management Authority said some ports may process more than 25 000 travellers a day during peak periods.
“We have intentionally emphasised these dates to encourage travellers and stakeholders to take note and appropriately plan their journeys in advance, including considering early travel options where possible,” the authority said.
