Excessive cargo scanning at the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe continues to impede the potential for improved intra-regional trade.
Southbound traffic is routinely subjected to rigorous checks for contraband such as illegal cigarettes and lithium, regulated by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).
However, the scanner used for rigs exiting Zimbabwe is outdated, requiring drivers to park and disembark before their trucks, often empty on the return leg to South Africa, are checked for non-compliance.
Northbound scanning, despite using a drive-through scanner, isn’t any more effective. Positioning the scanner at the entry gate instead of the border’s exit point into Zimbabwe could significantly improve efficiency.
The introduction of a stricter import-control regime, replacing the Open General Import Licence with SI 35 permits, has further slowed the pace at which transporters navigate the congestion-prone border.
Mike Fitzmaurice, head of the Transit Assistance Bureau, notes that the border, redesigned with private involvement from concession company Zimborders, wasn’t designed for a drive-through scanner. “It’s not necessarily the scanner, but its position,” he explains.
“I have explained to Zimra on numerous occasions that scanning all cargo, as required by the SI 35 system, will slow movement,” says Fitzmaurice.
Sometimes hauliers entering Zimbabwe wait three days or longer to be called for scanning after completing all other processes.
Fitzmaurice acknowledges Zimra’s efforts to combat smuggling but suggests relocating the scanner to an unused animal shed at the border’s entry area, which has shade and enough room for a mobile scanner. This location, near the current waiting area for drivers, could significantly speed up northbound traffic.
However, Zimra has not heeded this advice, partly due to the estimated $1.5 million cost of a new scanner.
Critics argue that the complexity of the current system creates opportunities for corruption, especially at Beitbridge, where a single load costs more than $200 in concession fees.
Fitzmaurice believes the cost of a mobile scanner could be offset by charging for its use, and transporters might be willing to pay more to expedite cargo processing at Beitbridge, the only crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa on the north-south route towards the Copperbelt.
“But Zimra’s not listening. They’re scanning all cargo and slowing everyone down because they haven’t got the necessary systems and services in place to allow for such strict measures,” Fitzmaurice says.
While the fight against illicit goods and non-compliance is crucial, the current system at Beitbridge disproportionately burdens transporters.
