Contingency plans to be put in place at Lebombo Border

Home affairs minister Dr Leon Schreiber said his department and other relevant stakeholders are working on developing contingency plans if the situation at the Lebombo Border Post does not improve.

He said even though the situation is out of South African control, a plan will be put together to look at other comprehensive alternatives.

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Schreiber visited the Lebombo Border Post alongside the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) deputy commissioner, David Chilembe, on Wednesday, December 11, to deploy some drones at the border to aid Lebombo’s management efforts. He also called on the private sector to step in with some necessities for the truck drivers who have queued on the N4 towards the border. “We need to make sure we don’t end up having a humanitarian problem here, hence we are calling on the industry to come and assist with the provision of food, water and ablutions. The best thing is to not have someone end up in the queue in the first place. If things aren’t moving, rather not send people to come and stand in the queue. If there is movement and progress, we will update people continuously,” he said.

Schreiber also commended the motorists for being understanding of the situation at hand, and encouraged travellers to always stay informed. “The problem doesn’t emanate from South Africa, but it is an issue for South Africa. Therefore, I encourage South Africans to make sure they are always aware of the latest news and developments and follow the BMA on all their platforms of information. We have a stop-and-go situation that relies on the developments from Mozambique and we are trying everything we can to manage it from our side. I would also like to commend the motorists for not creating chaos on the N4 and conducting themselves very well, considering the situation at hand.”

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He encouraged everyone to use alternative routes to Mozambique, but cautioned them to ensure that they are aware of the developments on their routes and destinations.

Chilembe said they are ready to process travellers and cargo to Mozambique should the situation there change. “On the South African side, we are ready. We have put together a festive season plan and put in extra resources. The challenges we are facing are from our counterparts. We are in communication with them and we work as and when they let us know that it is safe to do so,” he said.