Cargo operations resume at Lebombo Port of Entry
Cargo operations resume at Lebombo Port of Entry.
Cargo operations have resumed following the partial reopening of the Lebombo Port of Entry on Saturday, October 9.
The port had been closed for a few days this week due to the political riots that occurred in neighbouring Mozambique.
The Border Management Authority (BMA), in partnership with the South African Revenue Service (Sars), are said to be hard at work to clear the cargo backlog.
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“The port is now open for cargo movement after the Mozambican authorities managed to address challenges with their systems to facitilitate processing through the Ressano Garcia Port of Entry into Mozambique,” said the BMA and Sars in a joint statement signed by Mmemme Mogotsi (BMA deputy commissioner) and Siphithi Sibeko (Sars spokesperson).
[WATCH] Trucks slowly move to Lebombo border gate
Some of them have been here since Tuesday. The BMA says movement for cargo is open as Mozambican authorities managed to sort out challenges with their systems to facilitate processing at Ressano Garcia to Mozambique. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/8P0XmX0ph0— Nhlanhla Jele (@Nhlajules) November 9, 2024
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The BMA commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said he was pleased that systems have been restored.
“We are pleased to announce that the Mozambican systems have been restored, with processing activities resuming at the KM4 checkpoint on the Mozambican side. This development paves the way for the full reopening of the port and enables the BMA and Sars teams to work diligently in clearing the current cargo backlog,” said Masiapato.
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He said travellers were reminded to remain cautious and stay informed of travel updates when planning trips to Mozambique.
#TRACN4route #Update at 09/11 #GOODNEWS: BMA PARTIALLY REOPENS LEBOMBO port of entry allowing movement excluding Cargo #Mozambique #Maputo #RessanoGarcia.
— TRAC N4 Toll Route (@TRACN4route) November 9, 2024
The BMA and Sars promised to continue monitoring the situation closely, ensuring smooth and secure port of entry operations for the benefit of all South African citizens and the broader trade community.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Trans African Concessions (TRAC), Solange Soares, told this publication that TRAC managed to assist stranded truckers during the backlog that stretched many kilometres along the N4 highway towards the Lebombo Port of Entry.
“We dished out the necessary supplies to the truckers who spent days stranded along the N4 highway on the South African side, just to help,” said Soares.
