KEVIN MAYHEW THE 170-hectare Nkomazi Border Plaza next to the N4 in Komatipoort provides a structured environment for the freight forwarding sector servicing the port of Maputo through the Lebombo border post. Situated about four kilometers from the border post, the new facility has already provided brick and mortar premises for businesses which previously operated from prefabricated or more haphazard structures. According to director of the plaza, Piet van Dyk, it already accommodates 15 clearing agents, including major players and smaller companies. South African Revenue Service (SARS) offices for commercial clearing and port bound traffic are located on the premises and handling of bulk immigration service during peak periods can be undertaken to improve border activities. “The Lebombo Truck Stop Engen was recently established alongside it to provide diesel 24 hours a day. Bulk diesel is available at the forecourt at the best rebates on the whole of the N4 route from Gauteng to Maputo and we have basic facilities for drivers to freshen up,” he explained. Its establishment is in line with long term plans of the Mpumalanga Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI), a representative body that lobbies for Maputo as an export and import link particularly for Gauteng and Mpumalanga traffic. It is also agitating for traffic to and from Zambia that is traditionally channelled through Durban.
