Political response to Lebombo border crisis has been inadequate - Road Freight Association
What has been the long ranging impact of the Mozambique protests on logistical operations on the Lebombo border?
A burnt-out vehicle at the Lebombo border post following unrest on the Mozambican side of the border on 6 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
Bongani Bingwa speaks to Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly who has raised concerns about the impact the Mozambique border crossing closure will have on the economy.
Listen below
The Road Freight Association has slammed politicians for failing to respond effectively to the crisis at the Lebombo border.
The Lebombo border in Mpumalanga has been temporarily closed due to ongoing unrest on the Mozambican side.
Trucks and travellers remain stuck at the Lebombo Border Post.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has advised motorists to use the Mananga border as an alternative.
Protests against the October elections have intensified in Mozambique following the highly contested polls.
Kelly says the response from politicians has been 'inadequate'.
"We're saying to our politicians and politicians in the SADC region, come on guys, you can see what's happening, you know that when this sort of thing happens, a country sneezes and all of us catch a cold, you've all got experience resolving this kind of thing..."
Gavin Kelly, CEO - Road Freight Association
"Let Mozambique get back onto its feet, get the economy going and allow the countries who move through you, it's not just South Africa, to carry on moving through your port."
Gavin Kelly, CEO - Road Freight Association
Kelly explains that the impact of the closures is wide-reaching.
"It's our customers in the world who are going to go elsewhere so we need to get that moving."
Gavin Kelly, CEO - Road Freight Association
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