mbulelo smpofu
Sikhulekelani Moyo, mskhulekelani16@gmail.com
WITH festive season travel surging, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has announced a 24/7 operating schedule at the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border Post to expedite the movement of private travellers.
Zimra stated that the extension of operating hours, which began on Sunday, does not apply to commercial traffic.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) advices members of the public who intend to use Plumtree/Ramokgwebana Border Post that operating hours have been extended to 24 hours on the dates listed below.
“The extension of operating hours is done to facilitate the movement of private travellers during the festive period between Zimbabwe and Botswana,” reads Public Notice 104 issued on 20 December by Zimra.
The 24-hour extension will end today and will be operational again on the 4th and 5th of January 2025.
At Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe and South Africa border authorities have begun implementing integrated plans to manage the surge in traffic during the festive season, with both sides rolling out measures to ensure smooth operations as traffic volumes continue to build up. Traffic lanes have been categorised into cargo, buses, pedestrians and light vehicles to streamline movement at Beitbridge Border Post. On the South African side, additional service points have been opened to cater for the influx of travellers.
Meanwhile, Zimra advices its clients to make use of the e-TIP app to apply for a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for their foreign-registered private motor vehicles during this festive season. The authority said the e-TIP is a mobile or web-based application that allows for the application of a TIP for a foreign-registered private motor vehicle prior to arriving at the port of entry.
“The visitor can access the e-TIP app from anywhere in the world where there is internet access and make the application in advance. Upon arrival at the border post, the traveller presents the reference number generated by the system to the officer, who in turn retrieves the application and processes it without having to capture a new e-TIP,” said Zimra.
The e-TIP has multiple benefits, which include easing congestion at the port of entry, particularly during public holidays, reducing the time spent at the border post and providing convenience as the application can be done anytime and anywhere prior to arrival at the port of entry into Zimbabwe.
“Clients are urged to carefully read the driver’s undertaking and declaration on the TIP, as violating the conditions of the TIP may result in heavy penalties,” said Zimra. —@SikhulekelaniM1
