Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEAN and South African border authorities in Beitbridge have started implementing an integrated traffic-flow management system, running from Wednesday until January 15 next year, to improve efficiency and enhance traveller safety during the festive season.
The festive period traditionally brings a surge in human and vehicular traffic, with Beitbridge Border Post serving as the busiest inland port of entry in sub-Saharan Africa. The border connects South Africa to the north-bound regional corridor and during major holidays, an estimated half-a-million travellers, including those destined for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana, pass through the port.
Beitbridge has long been characterised by bottlenecks during peak travel periods due to high traffic volumes, outdated infrastructure and fragmented co-ordination between Zimbabwean and South African border agencies.
However, Zimbabwe has significantly improved its side of the border following the US$300 million modernisation project implemented under a public-private partnership with the Zimborders Consortium.
The revamp introduced separate terminals for commercial trucks, buses, light vehicles and pedestrians — streamlining traffic flows and improving traveller experience.
South Africa is yet to upgrade its side of the border, where congestion often builds first before spilling over. Already, long queues are forming on the South African side, although the situation remains manageable in Zimbabwe due to the redesigned processing system.
To prevent delays, the two countries have agreed to harmonise operations through the integrated inter-border agencies committee, which facilitates joint planning, information sharing and co-ordinated traffic control.
Immigration officer-in-charge for the Southern region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said manpower had been increased in anticipation of the holiday rush.
“We have adequate manpower with full deployments at all service points. Off and leave days have been suspended so we operate at full strength,” he said.
Mr Chibundu also warned travellers against dealing with bogus agents purporting to assist them.
“The Department of Immigration does not require the services of agents. Every traveller must present themselves for clearance. If there are any challenges, supervisors are available for assistance. Parents must ensure their children are accompanied by reliable relatives,” he said.
During off-peak periods, Beitbridge processes about 15 000 travellers, 1 000 commercial trucks, 120 buses and 2 000 light vehicles daily — figures that typically double during the festive season.
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi, said their 2025/2026 festive season operational plan was launched in Pretoria on Sunday.
She said the execution phase — running from December 10 to January 15, 2026 — is divided into two stages.
“The execution phase started on December 10, ending on January 15, 2026. This phase is divided into two legs, the exit (departure) leg starting from the 10th to the 31st of December 2025 and the entry (return) leg starting from the 1st to the 15th of January 2026,” said Asst Comm Mogotsi.
She said corridors leading to their land ports will be fully monitored to ensure effective traffic management. The BMA will be supported by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the Cross Border Road Transport Agency and provincial traffic authorities.
Asst Comm Mogotsi said more resources are being deployed across the borders, while some ports will operate between 16 and 24 hours daily.
“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will provide temporary lighting, ablution facilities, barricades and water tankers. Additional ICT technicians will support movement control systems at prioritised ports,” she said.
Zimra commissioner-general Ms Regina Chinamasa said the revenue collection utility has put in place several measures to ensure predictable and secure movement of travellers.
“To manage congestion, we have deployed additional staff across major border posts. Beitbridge, Forbes and Chirundu will operate 24 hours, while Plumtree is expected to move to 24-hour operations before Christmas pending agreement with Botswana,” she said.
Ms Chinamasa urged travellers using foreign-registered vehicles to utilise the e-TIP pre-clearance platform, which allows motorists to submit vehicle details and documents online ahead of arrival. To improve customer experience, ports now offer free WiFi, monitored WhatsApp support and on-site customer service champions.
Ms Chinamasa added that anti-corruption measures have been strengthened through CCTV, drones, scanners and increased supervision.
Zimborders Consortium general manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said they had held several inter-agency meetings ahead of the festive season.
He said they were particularly monitoring the rising number of commercial trucks, which may create logistical challenges when combined with holiday passenger traffic.
“We have recommended synchronised traffic movement to ensure a smoother festive season. We have multiple service points, and our IT team is ready to respond to issues as they arise,” he said.
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