Customs speaks out on Swazi border delays

SA Revenue service has denied culpability for the historically long truck queues, sometimes in excess of 100 road freight vehicles, at Oshoek border post with Swaziland, while nonetheless reporting attempts to address the jam. “Cleared trucks in South Africa cannot proceed to Swaziland immediately after being processed by South African customs as there is not sufficient parking space in Swaziland. Therefore, we are compelled to prioritise empty trucks, trucks exporting hazardous substances, perishable products and livestock by making use of green gate passes that will be obtained at South African Customs counter,” the statement reads. The crisis came to a head when Swaziland-bound trucks were no longer permitted to remain parked in SA while their drivers passed on foot through the border to obtain Swazi customs clearances.