The Border Management Authority (BMA) has assured that the planned strike action at the Lebombo border by the Nkomazi community on October 18 will be closely monitored to ensure no disruption of services.
The BMA has been asked to receive the memorandum from the community, which highlights the challenges of criminal activities occurring at and along the Lebombo port of entry.
The BMA is particularly concerned that these criminal activities, if not addressed, will culminate in a massive loss of trade revenue. Reports received highlight that the strike action is a result of criminal actions taking place during congestion and delays experienced relating to clearing vehicles through the border process.
As such, the BMA has called for these challenges to be resolved to continue harnessing the economic opportunity in the Maputo corridor.
The BMA has said that it wants smooth facilitation, and that an engagement process has already been initiated between the Department of Transport, the BMA, the South African National Road Agency and the Mozambique government to foster a more positive border management control system.
BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato has assured that operations at the Lebombo border will proceed as normal.
“We have put in a contingency plan that will allow the march to unfold in a peaceful manner. This has been done in conjunction with all the stakeholders that are charged with border control, including the South African Police Service and traffic management. Deployments have been enforced on the ground to ensure adherence to normal border control processes. A communique has also been communicated to the Mozambican government on the situation,” Masiapato said.
The Lebombo border has been earmarked for future redevelopment as part of an initiative to ensure more efficient cross-border management of the movement of people, goods and services. It is believed that this will improve revenue collection and prevent harmful imports and exports.