The Lebombo Port of Entry, a crucial trade artery between South Africa and Mozambique, has fully resumed operations after being severely impacted by political unrest following Mozambique’s October 2024 elections. The disruptions stemmed from opposition leader Venancio Mondlane contesting the election results, alleging fraud against President Daniel Chapo. The ensuing turmoil led to violent clashes, affecting cross-border commerce and forcing the intermittent closure of the border.
After intense negotiations between Mondlane and Chapo, both leaders agreed to de-escalate tensions. Mondlane urged his supporters to cease hostilities, while Chapo committed to ensuring stability, paving the way for the border’s full reopening. According to Border Management Authority (BMA) spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi, the port is now fully functional, with unhindered processing of travellers and cargo. Tonny Molise, deputy president of the Trucking Association of South Africa (TASA), confirmed that cross-border movements have normalised, though financial setbacks remain a concern.
While it is difficult to quantify precise monetary losses, disruptions led to additional costs in logistics, extended transit times, and supply chain inefficiencies. Molise noted that no significant job losses or company closures have been directly linked to the crisis, though businesses had to employ alternative strategies, such as rerouting shipments and optimising transport operations, to mitigate the impact.
The Lebombo border plays a pivotal role in facilitating exports to the Port of Maputo, a growing hub for mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. Over the past few years, the port has seen a sharp increase in freight volumes, with businesses seeking alternatives to South Africa’s expensive and inefficient ports. However, according to Malcolm Hartwell, director at Norton Rose Fulbright, ongoing instability in Mozambique could deter future investment in Maputo’s specialist terminals.
At the height of the crisis in December 2024, Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), estimated that the South African economy lost R10 million per day due to the closure. Of this, R6 million was directly attributed to freight disruptions, including vehicle damage, cargo looting, driver injuries, and halted exports, while R4 million stemmed from losses in industries such as retail, mining, and tourism. Furthermore, widespread violence saw truck drivers attacked, vehicles burned, and access roads blockaded, exacerbating the economic impact.
According to border specialist Kage Barnett, the sporadic suspension of truck processing at Lebombo resulted in severe financial penalties for exporters and widespread supply chain disruptions. The border processes over 1,300 vehicles daily, making it one of Africa’s busiest crossings, second only to Malaba OSBP between Kenya and Uganda. Any interruption in operations has profound consequences, not only for trade between South Africa and Mozambique but for regional economic stability.
In response to the crisis, industry stakeholders sought alternative trade routes; however, poor road infrastructure and limited border facilities at alternative crossings rendered these options largely ineffective. While operations at Lebombo have returned to normal, the situation has underscored the need for long-term contingency planning and enhanced regional coordination to prevent future disruptions.
The restoration of border operations marks a significant milestone for Southern African trade. The cooperative efforts of logistics companies, customs authorities, and government stakeholders have been instrumental in restoring order. However, without lasting political stability in Mozambique, the risk of further disruptions remains. Investors and trade partners will be closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged instability could lead to higher trade costs, reduced investment, and further supply chain vulnerabilities.
For now, the resumption of trade through Lebombo offers a glimpse of normalcy and resilience in the region’s economic landscape. The crisis has served as a stark reminder of the fragility of cross-border trade networks, reinforcing the urgent need for efficient governance, infrastructure investment, and diplomatic cooperation to safeguard the future of Southern Africa’s trade corridors.
