Heavy rain along South Africa’s Limpopo River border with Botswana could result in cross-border delays on transits serving the Trans-Kalahari Corridor (TKC), especially the Skilpadshek Border Post on the N4.
Whereas borders like Skilpadshek and Kopfontein are usually reserved for supply chain services from South Africa towards respective destinations such as Windhoek and Gaborone, in-transit cargo heading through Botswana to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now also rerouted through these borders.
This is because incessant rain has flooded the Groblersbrug Border Post further north, cutting off transits to Martin’s Drift Border Post in Botswana.
Road freight into Botswana has since also been compromised by service delivery protests on the N4 west of Zeerust.
Footage shared by the Transist Assistance Bureau (Transist) showed riot police clashing with protestors who had dragged branches and tyres on to the highway.
In addition to Skilpadshek and Kopfontein, transporters using Botswana on the north-south line connecting South Africa with the Copperbelt in Zambia and the DRC, can also use the Ramatlabama crossing north of Mahikeng.
Earlier this week, when all indications were that Groblersbrug (GBR) was going to be closed because of flooding for the second time this year, Transist spokesperson Kage Barnett said long-distance cargo that had been pre-cleared for GBR, would be allowed to divert through Skilpadshek and Kopfontein.
The TKC Secretariat (TKCS) has since issued a warning saying, because of increased volumes through alternative borders, transporters should expect delays.
Leslie Mpofu, chief director for the Secretariat, has said: “We expect these border closures to significantly impact traffic at the TKC borders. Long queues and delays are anticipated, and we urge travellers to plan their journeys accordingly.”
Apart from Groblersbrug, other border posts on the Limpopo have also been closed, disrupting traffic through Stockpoort, Makgobistad and Pontdrift.
Mpofu also highlighted potential challenges that might arise, such as environmental and sanitation concerns, littering and a lack of drinking water for truck drivers.
He urged border authorities to find swift solutions to these issues to ensure the well-being of transporters.
“The TKCS will continue to monitor the situation at affected ports of entry and will provide updates as the situation evolves,” a statement said.
It includes updates about the service delivery protest west of Zeerust, affecting traffic on the N4.
“South African authorities have been informed of these protests, and they are attending to these protests.
“TKCS wishes to advise users of the corridor to remain calm, patient and cooperative as the situation is being resolved. We thank all road users for their understanding and cooperation during this period.”
