Measures in place to keep trade flowing at Lebombo border: Magala

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has expressed concern about disruptions at the Lebombo Port of Entry between South Africa and Mozambique. She says transportation of goods is at times affected by the recent protests in Maputo.

Creecy has advised motorists planning to use the Lebombo corridor to be extra cautious as the situation is volatile in Mozambique.

Speaking to the SABC at the meeting between South Africa and the Mozambican delegation in Mpumalanga, Creecy says she is pleased that there is an engagement between Maputo and Pretoria.

“Lebombo is a very (important) land port for us … and in fact, it has become the most important land port in the country. Our mining companies our freight (and) are having access to the port of Maputo,” says Creecy.

‘Measures in place’

Minister of Transport and Communications in Mozambique Mateus Magala says his government suffered losses of close to a billion rand from the protests following the recent elections.

Magala says they have put measures in place to ensure that trade between South Africa and Maputo is not disrupted through the Lebombo port of entry.

“The impact has been negative. By now, we are counting about 54 million dollars of losses. Of course, this includes the freight, but that is not good news. The good news is that the freight that was initially moving at 1 100 trucks is now back,” Magala says.

SA-Moz Relations | DIRCO minister meets Mozambican delegation:

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will continue to assess the political situation in Mozambique.

Lamola led a South African delegation to meet with their counterparts from Mozambique in Malelane, Mpumalanga.

The Ministers agreed that both countries will endeavour to protect and secure the infrastructure for trade facilitation and continued collaboration to ensure minimum disruption for regional integration including associated cross-border value chains.

The major focus is the Constitutional Council’s expected pronouncement on the electoral results.