South Africa and Mozambique are stepping up joint efforts to address long-standing congestion and security issues at one of southern Africa’s busiest land crossings.
Senior officials from both countries have convened a three-day bilateral meeting at the Komatipoort border in Mpumalanga province, focusing on cross-border trade facilitation, law enforcement coordination, and infrastructure overhaul at the Lebombo Border Post.
Speaking during the session, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, acknowledged recent improvements in the processing of cargo vehicles, but warned that deep-rooted inefficiencies still threaten trade and transport between the two neighbours.
“Significant work has already been done, but we recognise that the current system is unsustainable. We are now moving towards structural transformation,” Masiapato said.
Truck drivers have long endured hours—and often days—of waiting in queues at the border, exposing them to theft and other security threats. Last year, South Africa and Mozambique signed a joint action plan aimed at bolstering policing and dismantling organised cross-border crime syndicates.
Now, the two governments are preparing to go further.
According to Masiapato, a private sector partner will soon be announced to help reconfigure the Lebombo crossing. Plans include building dedicated lanes for freight traffic and redesigning the layout to support a “non-stop border post” concept, allowing seamless movement of goods between the countries.
“This is not just about trade. It’s about reimagining the way borders work in Africa—efficient, secure, and built for the future,” said Director Theron, who is also part of the delegation.
As the Southern African region deepens economic integration, both nations hope the redesigned Lebombo Border Post will serve as a model for border reform across the continent.