Komatipoort businesses bend under Lebombo Border debacle

The town of Komatipoort felt the pinch as the situation continues to be volatile in the neighbouring Mozambique.

The politically fueled unrests had resulted in the closure of the Lebombo Border Post for a week.

The Komatipoort Business Chamber’s (KBC) chairperson, Jan Engelbrecht, said: “The ongoing situation in Mozambique has had a significant negative impact on local businesses. During the pandemic, the town’s economy relied heavily on Mozambican consumers. The buying power from Mozambique was a remedy in dire times.

“Unfortunately, the current situation has reversed this trend, leading to challenges for various businesses, including but certainly not limited those in the freight industry. High-volume sales and restaurants too.”

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Truck drivers who have been stuck in the queue for over a week say they have no other option but to stay until the day the border opens. “We understand this is not the South African government’s fault. Unfortunately, we don’t have any other option but to stay here with the cargo until the border opens,” said one truck driver who did not wish to be named.

“It does seem like we will be here for longer than we had anticipated, because the situation is reportedly still tense that side. We have also been getting updates that there will be talks among the SADC leadership only on November 16 or so, which means the border might remain closed for the next 10 days or even more. It’s even worse, because the Kilometre Four truck stop has been destroyed during the protests. We don’t know what will happen in the next couple of days, but we remain hopeful that the border might open. Luckily, my company has been sending food. The only problem is sleeping in the trucks. But we will be getting relief drivers as soon as our shifts are over.”

The Lebombo Border Post had been shut down since Tuesday, November 5 until Friday, November 8, following clashes that erupted after the Mozambican police had allegedly killed a peaceful protester. However, as the protest promised to dial down on Friday, the Lebombo Border saw another standstill on Wednesday, November 13 caused by another uprising across the border.

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, visited the border on Friday, November 8. He stated that the situation was under control while they were awaiting talks on the Mozambican side to be concluded. He added that truck companies have been sending their drivers food for upkeep while they wait in the queue.

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“We are happy that people have heeded the call to stay where they are and to not try to cross the border for any reason. The situation is under control while we wait to hear what will emerge from the discussions. We have heard there will be a meeting within the SADC leadership,” said Macie.

He also promised that the truck drivers and their cargo would remain safe until the border opens. “We have deployed our multidisciplinary task team for 24 hours. Not only are we guaranteeing the safety of the truck drivers, but everyone else using the N4. We continue to urge the people to hold off on any trip to Mozambique until the situation returns back to normal.”