Zimbabwe: Tourism and Hospitality Minister – Barbara Rwodzi confirms the meeting of Zimbabwe with South Africa to accelerate the process of travellers between the countries during the peak period of arrival of tourists.
She decided to arrange a meeting after thousands of travellers were seen waiting for the transport at the Zimbabwean side of the Beitbridge Border Post. The travellers also got stuck in the traffic jams on the South African side earlier.
As per the sources, during her visit to Beitbridge town on Sunday, tourism minister Rwodzi stated that there is a need for both countries should engage each other during peak periods to ensure there is seamless travel for visitors on both sides of the border.
The minister also mentioned that the Zimbabwean side is okay and officials have cleared all people from their side. People have to wait for buses and other vehicles in traffic jams on the South African side. Travellers indicated before, too, that they have to wait for transport for a long time.
“In future, we will engage our counterparts in South Africa to see how we can speed up movement and make it seamless,” added Minister Rwodzi.
She mentioned that she is happy that facilities by Zim-borders have enabled fast movements on the Zimbabwean side. “I am told that the average per day has been around 20,000 people a day and we expect 25,000 now,” she said.
Recently, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara Rwodzi interacted with the travellers and at the Beitbridge Border Post last week. The minister also met with border agencies as part of her Ministry’s Meet and Greet initiative.
Rwodzi interacted with travellers at the border and distributed water and various goodies to children and adults. At present, the border is a hive of continuous activities with travellers who desire to cross into either Zimbabwe or South Africa.
The Beitbridge Border Post is the busiest entry port in Zimbabwe. On a daily basis, the port handles:
- 300 buses
- 2000 commercial trucks
- 3000 light vehicles
- 20,000 travellers daily
The numbers can increase or triple during holidays, which might lead to even higher traffic volumes. In the ongoing festive period, the authorities have also urged drivers and motorists to exercise caution, maintain a safe distance and be vigilant of pedestrians every time.
The border is now a hive of activity, with travellers seeking to cross into either Zimbabwe or South Africa ahead of Christmas celebrations tomorrow.
