shloboe boe
Thupeyo Muleya, thupeyo.muleya@zimpapers.co.zw
ZANU-PF has deployed senior members of its economic development cluster on a two-day working visit to the Beitbridge Border Post to assess the implementation of the party’s economic development policies.
This visit follows resolutions made at the party’s conference in Bulawayo last October. The delegation is led by the party’s National Secretary for Economic Affairs, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Engelbert Rugeje, Secretary for Business Development Cde Elifasi Mashaba, and Director of Economic Affairs Cde Anastacia Ndlovu.
Addressing stakeholders during the tour, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje underscored the importance of ensuring ease of doing business and efficient trade facilitation at ports of entry. He described the Beitbridge Border Post as a critical hub for regional and international trade, emphasising the need for proper coordination between the party and the Government.
“The Beitbridge Border Post is the nexus of regional trade, and its efficiency directly impacts the free movement of people and goods in the SADC region,” said Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje.
The border post recently underwent a US$300 million modernisation project, which has significantly reduced congestion and wait times for cargo and travellers. These upgrades have transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art gateway, addressing long-standing bottlenecks that previously hindered trade.
“As Zanu-PF, we are the supreme authority guiding Government policies and programmes. Our visit ensures that party resolutions are being implemented effectively, in line with our manifesto and Vision 2030,” said Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje.
He also highlighted the importance of tackling revenue leakages caused by smuggling and non-payment of customs duties, stressing the need for a balanced duty payment system that serves both the Government and citizens.
“We have engaged cross-border traders, transporters, SMEs, law enforcement agencies, and informal traders to ensure a shared understanding of national economic policies. The feedback from these engagements will be taken back to the Politburo for further deliberation,” said Lt-Gen (Rtd) Rugeje.
Cde Mashaba noted that the Second Republic’s partnership with the Zimborders Consortium has resulted in significant investments, transforming Beitbridge into a modern, efficient border facility.
“A lot of money has been invested in this project, and our expectation is that there should be a change in work attitudes among the various Government agencies here. This will improve service delivery and maximise the benefits of this investment, which is now a source of pride for Zimbabweans,” he said.
“We remain concerned about the continued scourge of smuggling, and we must work together as Zimbabweans to ensure compliance with customs laws.”
The Beitbridge Border Post is a key entry point for trade and travel, serving countries such as Malawi, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It also caters to international tourists travelling by road through South Africa.
With the addition of three new terminals for freight, buses, pedestrians, and private vehicles, the border now processes close to 150,000 commercial trucks and over seven million travellers annually. On a typical day, it handles more than 400 buses and 4 000 light vehicles.
Prior to its modernisation, the border post was notorious for inefficiencies, with cargo clearance taking up to 72 hours. Now, 60 per cent of commercial cargo is cleared within three hours, making Beitbridge a source of national pride and a symbol of Zimbabwe’s commitment to being open for business.
