The vulnerability of Swaziland’s main border gate, Oshoek Border Post, to strike actions in SA was underscored last week when the R17 highway from Ermelo to Oshoek was blockaded at Lothair. Residents burned tyres, lay down on the pavement and placed debris on the highway as they demanded improved houses and roads. The border post is Swaziland’s most active and accounts for most traffic going to and from Gauteng. 90% of the landlocked country’s imports come from SA. The closure lasted until midday last Thursday, and some large trucks bearing bulk cargo, fuel and other goods chose to wait until the road was cleared. “Closing the highway really hurts Swazis and the economy," said Amos Ndwandwe, a truck driver who was carrying building supplies to the Matsapha Industrial Estate. “Delivery times can be thrown into disarray, particularly for break-bulk,” said the manager of a Matsapha road freight transport firm. The Swaziland Chamber of Commerce has called for a monitoring and communications system to alert drivers to closed roads.
