Long delays hit Beitbridge as South Africa struggles to cope

Hundreds of travellers from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia leaving the country by road through the Beitbridge Port of Entry are experiencing prolonged delays to cross into South Africa, amid congestion caused by limited space and understaffing on the South African side of the border.

Stagnant queues of vehicles and long-distance buses have spilled onto major roads in Beitbridge town, with most travellers having already completed exit formalities with Zimbabwean authorities. Many buses and light vehicles are now waiting for South Africa to create space to receive and process incoming traffic.

Zimbabwe has in recent years upgraded its border infrastructure, commissioning three permanent terminals and expanding parking space for commercial traffic, buses, pedestrians and light vehicles. The improvements have significantly increased processing capacity on the Zimbabwean side.

However, South Africa continues to rely on its old main immigration and customs hall, as well as the commercial traffic section, to clear travellers. Border officials say the facilities are no longer adequate to handle the increased volumes brought about by growing regional and international trade.

Cross-border traders arriving from South Africa reported that only about five officers are deployed to clear arrivals and another five to handle departures, contributing to the slow movement of traffic.

A Zimbabwean border official confirmed that authorities have raised the issue with their South African counterparts and expressed hope that the situation will improve.

"Most pedestrians have crossed, and even some bus passengers have crossed and are waiting for South Africa to create space on their side," the official said.

Assistant Regional Immigration Officer-in-Charge for Beitbridge, Canisia Magaya, said Zimbabwean authorities had processed the bulk of travellers between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

"We have noted a surge in traffic and yesterday alone we processed a total of 22 379 travellers, which include 5 387 entries and 16 992 exits," Magaya said.

She added that Zimbabwe is using an online border clearance system and eGates, which are fully operational, with all service points adequately staffed.

"As Zimbabwean border authorities, we are giving priority clearance to the elderly, pregnant women and those travelling with young children," she said.

Magaya noted that the remaining congestion is largely concentrated at the bus terminal, where several buses have been arriving simultaneously, further straining coordination between the two sides of the border.

Authorities on both sides are expected to continue engagements as pressure mounts to ease congestion at the region's busiest border post.