Zimbabwean travelers, most of them cross-border traders, have complained of the slow service at Musina, which Director of Immigration, Jack Mackay, attributed to the ever-increasing traffic volume.
Despite the inclusive government having eased Zimbabwe’s political and economic crises since 2009, thousands of Zimbabweans still travel to and from South Africa on a daily basis. Most of them spend days at the border, before they can have their travel documents stamped.
“Last weekend Zimbabwean immigration officials were so professional. They stamped my passport quickly but as I entered South Africa there were long queues that delayed me for at least 16 hours,” said Thulani Moyo, who works in SA.
Zimbabweans have had to travel with blankets to protect themselves from the winter conditions.
“Bus loads come every hour and it is difficult to understand why they spend more time on the SA side where there are 10 immigration officers compared to the Zimbabwean side, where there are only four officers.”
Azaria Dube Nduna, chairman of Human Rights Africa, said his organisation had received reports from people who had spent as long as five days at the border.
“I was shocked hear about the hours they spent at the border as South Africans have officers in a tent outside serving pedestrians and more than eight officers inside the offices for bus travelers and motorists,” said Nduna.
Mackay said the issue would be addressed.
“People can take 15 minutes on the Zimbabwean side because in South Africa we have to strictly check, verify and inspect every passport and person entering and this requires more time. We will soon be sending more officers to the border,” said Mackay.
Post published in: News