Fewer people, more goods

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.