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By Thapelo Molefe
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has signalled that fixing congestion at the Lebombo Port of Entry now depends heavily on the South African Revenue Service (SARS) meeting critical infrastructure deadlines.
During a progress visit to the border on Tuesday, Creecy made it clear that while several interventions are already easing traffic, the full implementation of a new freight processing system hinges on SARS completing the installation of its customs technology at the Kilometre 7 facility.
SARS has committed to finalising its systems over the coming months, with Creecy indicating that the timeline is aligned with the high-pressure December peak period, when cross-border traffic typically surges.
“The BMA system is ready for implementation, but it requires co-location with SARS,” she said.
The Kilometre 7 site is central to government’s plan to shift cargo processing away from the main port of entry, easing long-standing bottlenecks that have choked the N4 corridor and disrupted regional trade.
While progress has been made, including the co-location of South African and Mozambican officials and infrastructure upgrades by Trans African Concessions, Creecy acknowledged that the current improvements remain interim.
A pilot project allowing officials from both countries to process freight from a single location has already demonstrated faster turnaround times, and the arrangement has been extended within the port. However, a permanent system will only be realised once all agencies, particularly SARS, are fully operational at Kilometre 7.
The department has also confirmed that a detailed, multi-stage freight processing plan has been agreed to by all stakeholders, including the Border Management Authority and the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency.
The plan prioritises pre-cleared cargo, which will be allowed to bypass delays and proceed directly to the port.
Creecy said the broader goal is to implement a one-stop border system, supported by a future “single window” platform that will integrate multiple government processes into a single digital interface for traders.
But she warned that even if South Africa meets its deadlines, inefficiencies could persist unless Mozambique implements matching systems on its side of the border.
“These efforts will be in vain if our systems are not coordinated and aligned,” she said.