The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has taken note of the planned strike action at the Lebombo border by the community of Nkomazi.
The BMA has been requested to receive a memorandum from the community which highlights challenges, including criminal acts at and along the Lebombo port of entry.
“The BMA is concerned that these criminal acts, if not addressed, will culminate in massive loss of trade revenue. Reports received indicates that the strike action emanates from criminal actions taking place during congestions and delays experienced during clearing of vehicles at the border.
“The BMA calls for the challenges to be resolved in order to continue harnessing the economic opportunity in the Maputo corridor. The BMA calls for smooth facilitation. An engagement process has already been initiated between the Department of Transport, the BMA, South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Mozambique government to foster a positive border management control system,” said the authority in a statement on Wednesday.
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, assured the public 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 SAPS 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,” he said.
The Lebombo border has been earmarked for future re-development as an initiative to ensure efficient cross-border management of movement of people, goods and services.
This will also guarantee improved revenue collection and prevent harmful imports and exports. The strike action for today will be closely monitored to ensure that there is no disruption of services at the Lebombo border. – SAnews.gov.za
