Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) participated in a high-level diplomatic engagement at the Zimbabwean Embassy in that country on Wednesday, to strengthen co-operation on border management and social development related issues.
This follows the tightening of screws at the Beitbridge border by both countries to minimise cases of child smuggling, which are common during major public holidays.
The engagement was held as a meet-and-greet session, bringing together representatives from the BMA, the DSD and the Zimbabwean Embassy. In a joint statement on Thursday the BMA and DSD said discussions focused on critical cross-border social protection challenges, particularly the handling and safeguarding of unaccompanied minors who cross through the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) without the requisite travel documentation.
“The meeting also addressed broader concerns related to irregular cross-border movements by adults, including instances where individuals possess valid passports but deliberately avoid entering through designated ports of entry,” said the departments.
“The engagement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 between the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, and her Zimbabwean counterpart, which provides a formal framework for co-operation on social development priorities, child protection and cross-border co-ordination”.
During the meeting, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, reaffirmed that his organisation and Zimbabwean border management authorities continue to work closely and effectively together.
He also assured the Zimbabwean Embassy of continuity in co-operative border management efforts between the two countries. Dr Masiapato emphasised the importance of tackling common challenges collectively and noted that the meeting explored areas of collaboration to raise awareness on migration issues affecting travellers, with the objective of improving compliance with immigration requirements.
The Embassy expressed appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by both the BMA and the DSD in responding to the increase in cases involving unaccompanied minors,” reads part of the joint statement.
“Furthermore, the Embassy was encouraged by the seriousness with which the matter is being handled and confirmed that Zimbabwean authorities are equally committed to addressing the matter. They also highlighted the importance of joint public awareness campaigns targeted at specific traveller groups to ensure that travellers are well informed about the travel regulations of both countries”.
The departments added that the officials underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, collaboration and integrated approaches to addressing migration challenges in the Southern African region, particularly through enhanced information sharing, joint public awareness initiatives and proactive stakeholder engagements with key role players such as transport operators, parents and guardians.
In addition, the parties further agreed on the establishment of a joint technical task team to proactively address operational and policy issues related to cross-border movements, with a particular focus on the protection of minors.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to continued co-operation and regular engagement between the two countries.
“The Zimbabwean Embassy also conveyed its condolences to the Government and people of South Africa following the recent school transport tragedy involving learners, and the devastating floods in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces that resulted in loss of lives and damage to property,” said the departments.
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