Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwean and South African border authorities have said they had started putting in place arrangements to better handle increased traffic through Beitbridge Border Post during the Easter holidays next month.

Zimbabwe also celebrates its Independence on April 18, which will as well see large movements of the people in either direction of the border.

The contingency measures will be in place from April 14 to April 23, with Easter celebrations set for April 18-21.

Beitbridge Regional Immigration Officer, Joshua Chibundu, said that adequate personnel had been deployed to handle traffic at all three terminals — freight, bus and private cars, and pedestrian.

“We have started working on plans to process traffic during the Independence and Easter holidays, most of which will include adopting the flow process we used during the festive period between December and January,” Chibundu said.

He also urged travelers to avoid illegal dealings and emphasized that immigration counters do not require agents. “Those traveling with children should ensure they have all the necessary documents,” he added.

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) spokesperson, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi, stated that all BMA executives will be stationed at various ports of entry from April 20 to ensure smooth operations.

“Our peak traffic days are from April 14-17 for the exit phase and April 20-23 for the return leg. The BMA will mark two years in operation, and this year will see extensive profiling of ports of entry,” Mogotsi said.

Beitbridge Border Post, Africa’s busiest land crossing, often experiences congestion during major holidays, prompting authorities to implement measures to facilitate efficient clearance of travelers.

New Ziana