South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced that the Lebombo Port of Entry, the primary border crossing point between South Africa and Mozambique, is now open for traveler movement “until further notice.” This comes after a temporary suspension of operations on Monday due to election-related protests in Mozambique, which had caused repeated closures since the release of the disputed election results on October 24.
The acting Commissioner of the BMA, Jane Thupana, confirmed in a statement that movement at the Lebombo crossing is now ongoing, with pedestrians and small vehicles being processed. On Wednesday, a total of 7,471 travelers were processed through the border. However, the authority noted that traffic volumes are currently around 50 percent lower than those recorded at the same time in December 2023.
The majority of border processing is taking place during the early hours of the day and late afternoon, aligning with periods of reduced unrest on the Mozambican side. While traveler movement has resumed, the processing of cargo remains suspended due to protests obstructing vehicle entry into Mozambique.
The BMA has urged trucking companies to divert their vehicles to nearby depots or designated truck holding areas, emphasising that no new vehicles should be dispatched to the Lebombo Port until further notice.
In its statement, the BMA reassured the public that the situation is under close observation, with ongoing efforts to resolve the challenges. The authority remains in active collaboration with key stakeholders to manage the situation effectively. The BMA also called for patience from all affected parties as it continues to monitor the developments and engage with relevant authorities for a lasting resolution.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the reopening of the Lebombo crossing provides some relief, though the border management situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the situation evolves.
