Durban - The plight of long-distance truck drivers has been raised amid the challenges being experienced at the Lebombo border post due to the political unrest in Mozambique.
DA Member of Parliament Nicole Bollman spoke about the trying conditions faced by truck drivers that she witnessed during an oversight visit at the Lebombo - Ressano Garcia border post.
The Acting Commissioner of Border Management Authority (BMA) Jane Thupana on Thursday said pedestrians and small vehicles are being processed through the Lebombo border post but no cargo trucks were going through.
Bollman, on Tuesday, joined the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee for an oversight visit to the Lebombo border post, between South Africa and Mozambique.
She stated that recent unrest linked to Mozambique’s disputed elections on October 9 had led to a border closure on the Mozambique side since Saturday, resulting in at least 20km of trucks parked along the roadside.
Bollman said the blockage had caused significant economic and humanitarian challenges, with reports estimating that South Africa loses R10 million daily due to disruptions in exports through the Port of Maputo.
“The impact on the truck drivers stuck in the queue was heartbreaking. Many had been stranded for days without access to proper ablution facilities, food, or water beyond what they had brought with them. In the extreme 45°C heat, some drivers sought reprieve in the limited shade offered by their vehicles.
She said the physical and mental toll of these conditions is deeply concerning and highlighted the urgent need for better contingency measures.
She added that among the stranded trucks were those carrying perishable goods, raising further concerns about food security for Mozambicans and the economic losses tied to spoiled goods.
The BMA said statistics showed that the travellers processed were 50% lower compared to the same period last year.
On Tuesday, 7 471 travellers were processed.
“The processing mainly takes place in the early hours and late afternoons when the unrest on the Mozambican side have subsided.”
However, the BMA said processing of cargo remains temporarily suspended due to protesters blocking their entry into Mozambique.
“The situation on the N4 corridor remains under close observation in order to minimise congestions. Trucking companies having facilities in Komatipoort are urged to divert trucks to the depots in Komatipoort, while others may divert trucks to the designated truck holding area at km7. Transporters are continuously urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice.”
The BMA’s Thupana, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to effectively managing and resolving the challenges at the border.
"The BMA is working tirelessly together with key stakeholders in the border management sector to manage the situation. We urge all affected parties to exercise patience as we continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to find lasting solutions," said Thupana.