News / National
Beitbridge Border staff beefed up
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Border authorities from Zimbabwe and South Africa have deployed additional staff at the Beitbridge Border Post to manage the significant increase in human and vehicular traffic during the festive season.
A senior Zimbabwean customs official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that extra workers have been assigned to assist at the bus and private vehicle terminals since December 10. The additional manpower has been particularly focused on assisting travelers with electronic temporary import permits (eTIPs).
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe Immigration Department reveal a notable surge in border traffic. Between December 16 and December 21, 85,846 people entered Zimbabwe, while 34,094 left. Of these arrivals, 75,096—approximately 87 percent—were returning residents.
Vehicle traffic has also increased, with 3,087 light vehicles, 2,403 buses, and 3,525 trucks moving north from South Africa during this period.
Assistant regional immigration officer-in-charge of Beitbridge, Mrs. Canisia Magaya, reported that the border is processing an average of 13,976 entries and 6,362 departures daily. To accommodate this surge, sufficient staff has been deployed across all terminals to ensure compliance and enhance the safety of travelers.
Despite the heavy traffic, the statistics show only a slight decrease in overall movement compared to last year. From December 11 to December 22, a total of 159,044 entries were processed, which is about a 1 percent drop from the 160,632 entries recorded in the same period last year. Departures, however, saw a more significant decline, with 69,992 departures this year compared to 81,235 last year.
Authorities have issued warnings to travelers against using third-party services for immigration clearance, which are often fraudulent. Travelers with children are also reminded to carry valid passports and other necessary supporting documents.
Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has been on-site overseeing the operations to ensure smooth traffic flow. "We are on the ground and are pleased with the feedback we are getting from travelers passing through Beitbridge Border Post," Dr. Munyanyiwa said. "What we have noted from most travelers is the need to harmonize payment processes to reduce the time spent in queues paying levies and other compliance fees."
Many travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the improvements at the border. One motorist, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "I was served well this time around compared to the last three years. I'm happy with the introduction of the eTIP system, which is a good step by the Government toward embracing e-governance."
Transporter Ncube also praised the changes: "The separation of traffic has been a game-changer and has helped reduce the turnaround time at the border."
Overall, the enhancements at Beitbridge Border Post have contributed to a more organized and efficient travel experience for both travelers and transporters during this busy holiday season.
A senior Zimbabwean customs official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that extra workers have been assigned to assist at the bus and private vehicle terminals since December 10. The additional manpower has been particularly focused on assisting travelers with electronic temporary import permits (eTIPs).
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe Immigration Department reveal a notable surge in border traffic. Between December 16 and December 21, 85,846 people entered Zimbabwe, while 34,094 left. Of these arrivals, 75,096—approximately 87 percent—were returning residents.
Vehicle traffic has also increased, with 3,087 light vehicles, 2,403 buses, and 3,525 trucks moving north from South Africa during this period.
Assistant regional immigration officer-in-charge of Beitbridge, Mrs. Canisia Magaya, reported that the border is processing an average of 13,976 entries and 6,362 departures daily. To accommodate this surge, sufficient staff has been deployed across all terminals to ensure compliance and enhance the safety of travelers.
Despite the heavy traffic, the statistics show only a slight decrease in overall movement compared to last year. From December 11 to December 22, a total of 159,044 entries were processed, which is about a 1 percent drop from the 160,632 entries recorded in the same period last year. Departures, however, saw a more significant decline, with 69,992 departures this year compared to 81,235 last year.
Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has been on-site overseeing the operations to ensure smooth traffic flow. "We are on the ground and are pleased with the feedback we are getting from travelers passing through Beitbridge Border Post," Dr. Munyanyiwa said. "What we have noted from most travelers is the need to harmonize payment processes to reduce the time spent in queues paying levies and other compliance fees."
Many travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the improvements at the border. One motorist, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "I was served well this time around compared to the last three years. I'm happy with the introduction of the eTIP system, which is a good step by the Government toward embracing e-governance."
Transporter Ncube also praised the changes: "The separation of traffic has been a game-changer and has helped reduce the turnaround time at the border."
Overall, the enhancements at Beitbridge Border Post have contributed to a more organized and efficient travel experience for both travelers and transporters during this busy holiday season.
Source - The Herald
