South Africa and Zimbabwe have agreed to work together towards improving operations at the Beitbridge border post.

According to President Jacob Zuma the joint committee, which will be established for the project, aims to set up the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post (OSBP) to encourage seamless movement at the busiest road border on the continent.

Speaking at the Bi-National Commission (BNC) Zuma said it was necessary to bolster the efficiency of Beitbridge as much of the goods and services between Zimbabwe and South Africa pass through this strategic point.  Currently, travellers are processed at two facilities for the respective countries.

Boosting the economy

President Jacob Zuma said the border post is central to boosting the two countries’ economies and as such, unnecessary delays must be avoided.

Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s top five trading partners on the continent, with trade statistics showing annual growth. In 2016, South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R29.3 billion.

The establishment of the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post forms part of government’s implementation of the Single Border Management Agency. Last year, South Africa and Mozambique integrated the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, also known as Komatipoort.

‘It is important and urgent that we start in earnest the process of establishing a One Stop Border Post. Our two countries took a decision to do so as far back as 2009.”

President Zuma and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe urged the relevant ministers and officials to work speedily on the project. They want a progress report at the next BNC.