Parliament, Friday, 20 December 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mr Mosa Chabane, has welcomed the clearance of backlog and return to normalcy at the Lebombo Port of Entry between South Africa and Mozambique.
"The return of full operation at Lebombo is testament to the critical importance of collaboration between stakeholders. The collaboration between the Border Management Authority and their Mozambican counterparts cannot be understated," Mr Chabane emphasised.
The Chairperson welcomed the bilateral meeting between the South African and Mozambican authorities held on 19 December 2024 to discuss festive operation collaboration which resulted in an agreement that there will be a collocation at KM7 in operations from 20/12/24 until 25/12/24. Furthermore, Mozambique and South Africa's return collocation of both processes of processing goods and pedestrians at KM4 will also resume from 02-05 January 2025 which will be critical in processing people and goods.
Lebombo is a critical arterial route between South Africa, Mozambique and the rest of neighbouring countries in facilitating both people and goods to and from countries. It is commendable that about 52 000 people have been processed at the port during the weekend and that the backlog of trucks has been cleared.
"During the committee's visit to Lebombo last week we emphasised the need for all related stakeholders to play a critical role in finding solutions to challenges. It is thus appreciated that such solutions have been found in the interim. We hope that the status quo remains for the entire festive season period," Mr Chabane emphasised.
The clearing of goods trucks backlog is also important as it gives imputus to strengthening intra-Africa trade and would insulate businesses from daily losses they had been incurring since the challenges started. In line with this, the Chairperson said the restoration of full services will assist in deterring the anticipated increase in volumes of people and goods in the festive days ahead.
The Chairperson also appreciated the assurance about the increased visibility of law enforcement in Mozambique and South Africa which will be critical in the application of relevant laws and ensure the movement of people and goods across both countries.
As the festive season has shifted into a high gear, the Chairperson has called for the intensification of operations at all ports of entry to ensure seamless movement in and out of the country. Collaborations with neighbouring countries will also be central to ensure smooth crossings at the border.
The committee will continue to oversee the full implementation of the Festive Season plan by the BMA and has reemphasized its full confidence in the BMA's ability to resolve all challenges. The committee also expresses its confidence in the BMA’s agility to counter riks that might render the implementation of the plan impossible.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS, MR MOSA CHABANE
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