Travellers intending to visit Mozambique during the festive season are uncertain of their next move.

This follows the reopening of the Lebombo Port of Entry after its recent closure due to the violent political protests in Mozambique.

Maphepheta Mathabela, who usually visits Mozambique with his two boats that he hires out to holidaymakers during the festive season, said he was doomed. “This is just another kind of a festive season. I am very afraid to take the risk of visiting Mozambique for my boat hiring business, because no one knows what might happen. Every year I make a lot of money whenever I am at the sea in Mozambique where I hire out my boats,” he said. “I shall ask the local chiefs to invite me to their cultural events so that I can keep myself busy with something here in South Africa instead.”

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Famous Shangaan disco musician Chris Mkhonto, who also goes by the name Dr General Muzka, told this publication musicians were affected by the ongoing political challenges in Mozambique. “We are not sure if things will eventually go back to normal. We are affected, because we were supposed to be having gigs in Mozambique during the festive season, but as things are, nobody can guarantee our safety. It is my wish that there will be no more bloodshed and that people will engage in dialogue instead of resorting to violence,” said Mkhonto.

Attempts to get comment from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency proved fruitless.

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Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said cargo movement was still flowing in and out as normal at the Lebombo Port of Entry on Tuesday, November 19. He said departures and arrivals at the main port were also flowing. “Over the past weekend, from November 15 to 18, we had over 41 000 travellers moving through the Lebombo Port of Entry,” said Masiapato. “No incidents have occurred.”

The border had recently been closed and reopened on several occasions as the BMA deemed it unsafe to cross through at times.

Solange Soares, TRAC’s spokesperson, said the border closure resulted in scores of trucks lining the highway on the South African side. “We had to provide necessities to the stranded truck drivers as they spent days on the road without any movement,” she added.

This publication asked the BMA whether it would be safe for travellers to visit Mozambique during the festive season. “We suggest people remain cautious as the situation is still unpredictable. We don’t really know what’s happening on the ground and therefore rely on social media reports that may not be authentic at times,” said the BMA’s deputy assistant commissioner, Mmemme Mogotsi.