Story by Aifheli Mudau
GOVERNMENT agencies operating at the modernised Beitbridge Border Post have been urged to strengthen coordination to ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods during the peak festive season.
The call comes as thousands of Zimbabweans in the diaspora and international travellers pass through the country’s busiest port of entry, coinciding with national commemorations marking 38 years of peace and unity since the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987.
Travellers interviewed at the border post commended the modernisation works undertaken by the Second Republic, saying the upgrades have significantly reduced congestion and improved the overall travel experience.
“I am happy to receive such a big welcome from the minister, it gives me hope and shows more love since I am married to a Zimbabwean.
“It is good to be welcomed home like this as a returning resident, home is good.
“The way this border was modernised is really helping us to cross very ease and safely.
“When coming home, there is no more headache of thinking about sleeping at the border,” travellers said.
The improvements were on display during the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi’s meet-and-greet engagement at the border on Monday, accompanied by local leadership and officials from various government departments.
“We are really happy to see Ministers here at the border to offer a back-up, it gives us more power to serve travellers, and we have beefed up our teams to avoid any glitches,” ZIMBORDERS General Manager, Mr Nqobile Ncube said.
“This is the time to encourage our people to obtain passports so that they can enjoy the modernised Beitbridge Border facilities,” Beitbridge West Legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou said.
“We really appreciate your working together to offer the best Services to the travelling public,” he said.
“What we are saying as government is that we should use the whole of government approach and that is what we are witnessing here, all government agencies are working together for the benefit of our travellers and with no problem,” Honourable Rwodzi said.
Zimbabwe’s enhanced border infrastructure forms part of broader national development efforts that recently saw the country named among the world’s top travel destinations for 2025 by Forbes magazine.
