Enhanced Operations at Beitbridge Border Post During Holiday Rush

Border officials from both Zimbabwe and South Africa have escalated their workforce at Beitbridge Border Post to manage the holiday traffic surge effectively.

A senior customs official from Zimbabwe, speaking off the record, revealed that since December 10, additional staff have been deployed to expedite processing at bus and private vehicle terminals.

Immigration statistics show a considerable increase in human traffic. From December 16 to 21, 85,846 individuals entered Zimbabwe, with 34,094 leaving.

The majority, 75,096 or 87%, of those entering were returning residents, indicating a significant homecoming for the festive season.

Vehicle movements have also intensified, with 3,087 light vehicles, 2,403 buses, and 3,525 trucks crossing northwards from South Africa.

Mrs. Canisia Magaya, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer-in-Charge at Beitbridge, reported daily averages of 13,976 entries and 6,362 exits.

To handle this volume, manpower has been strategically placed across all terminals, ensuring compliance and enhancing traveler safety.

Despite the increase in traffic, there’s a slight decrease compared to last year’s figures at this time, with 159,044 entries this year against 160,632 last year.

Departures, however, have seen a more significant drop, from 81,235 last year to 69,992 this year.

Travelers are cautioned against relying on third-party services for immigration, which are often scams, and to ensure all documentation, especially for children, is in order.

Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, is personally overseeing operations to guarantee smooth traffic flow.

Dr. Munyanyiwa commented, “We are receiving positive feedback from travelers, but there’s a clear need for harmonized payment processes to reduce queue times.”

Motorists have voiced approval for the changes, with one anonymous driver stating, “Service this year was much better than in previous years; the eTIP system is a significant improvement.”

Another traveler, known only as Ncube, praised the new traffic separation, saying, “This has really shortened the time we spend at the border.”

The overall experience at Beitbridge Border Post this season has been one of better management and efficiency, greatly appreciated by those crossing the border.