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Lebombo Border temporarily closed again

The Lebombo Border Post was closed again today, December 9, due to the continued political unrest in Mozambique.

December 9, 2024
Tumelo Waga Dibakwane 2 minutes read
Scenes of the border closure over the last week. > Photos: Supplied

The Lebombo Port of Entry has temporarily suspended operations for general cargo processing as well as passenger movements, due to the political unrest on the Mozambican side. The border was closed again today, Monday, December 9.

The Border Management Authority’s (BMA) acting commissioner, Jane Thupana, said earlier today, some trucks had already been processed before the port operations were temporarily suspended.

“Travellers who have to travel to or through Mozambique are advised to divert to the Mananga Port of Entry. This is only for pedestrians and small cars; this option is currently not feasible for cargo trucks due to similar demonstrations targeting commercial goods at Boane, Mozambique, which would result in any trucks being stranded,” she said.

Thupana added there are discussions with various trade associations and stakeholders regarding proposed contingency plans. Trade stakeholders will communicate these plans to their clients for consideration.

ALSO READ: Transport minister visits Lebombo Border and conducts roadblock on N4

“In light of the evolving situation and to minimise congestions, the BMA advises that transporters with depots in Komatipoort direct their vehicles to those depots. We also recommend transporters to park at the designated area at KM7, which is a truck holding area. Transporters are urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice,” said Thupana.

She added that the BMA has engaged traffic authorities to assist with managing vehicle movements on the N4 corridor and will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to address the situation effectively.

ALSO READ: Lebombo border disruptions: Get updates before travelling to Mozambique

“The BMA is also engaging its Mozambican counterparts in order to be kept abreast of the developments and progress as they continue to address the root cause of the problem at hand. We will provide further updates as the situation develops,” she concluded.

Minister Barbara Creecy conducts a roadblock and inspection on the N4. > Photo: Sesane Mabuza

 

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December 9, 2024
Tumelo Waga Dibakwane 2 minutes read

Bertus de Bruyn

Bertus de Bruyn is based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. De Bruyn has been employed by Caxton since 2009. After a short sabbatical of two years, De Bruyn is back at the place he called home, Caxton, at Lowveld Media. He is currently the digital content manager, but has 14 years of journalism skills, news editor, and acting editor duties behind his name.
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