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.