Travel through Mpumalanga’s border posts decreased by at least 17% compared to the same period last year, but imports and exports increased. In a statement released by the Border Control Operations Coordinating Committee for the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border post, officials said there was no doubt the recession had left its mark and affected the traffic volumes. “Mpumalanga saw a decrease of 17% of travellers compared to the same period last year. There has, however, been a sharp increase of trade goods exported and imported to the country compared to the same period last year.” Another reason given for the decline in the number of travellers was the closure of several mines in South Africa during 2009 meaning people left for their country of origin earlier than usual, said a spokesman.
