SARS Approves Diversion of Cargo as Groblersbrug Border Congestion Drives Up Transport Costs and Delays
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has approved the diversion of pre-cleared cross-border cargo to alternative entry points into Botswana in an effort to ease severe congestion at the Groblersbrug Border Post (GRB).
The intervention comes after ongoing bottlenecks along the N11 corridor, which has become a major choke point for regional freight movement, significantly affecting long-haul transport operators.
While the route typically handles Copperbelt-linked cargo, transport operators such as Van Tonder Transport have also developed a niche in hauling grain from western Limpopo Province through Botswana into Zimbabwe. However, persistent border delays are now threatening the viability of this model.
Under normal conditions, loading and offloading cycles take about a week. According to operator Flippie van Tonder, delays at Groblersbrug now mean that trucks spend the same amount of time simply waiting to cross the border.
“We currently have around 18 trucks waiting at Groblersbrug, down from 24 earlier this week,” he said. “Business has been strong in the past, but the current congestion is putting serious strain on operations.”
He added that the delays have already forced the company to increase transport rates by approximately R400 per tonne to cover additional costs, particularly driver standby time. Each truck carries about 38 tonnes of grain.
Van Tonder explained that his business model relies on fast turnaround times, as trucks operate on tight, continuous shuttle cycles. Extended border delays disrupt this efficiency and directly impact profitability.
“If we can’t keep trucks moving, we don’t make money,” he said. “Ultimately, these delays will push up food prices in Zimbabwe, including staples like bread.”
He also noted that rerouting via Beitbridge is not a practical alternative due to significantly higher transit costs of around R8,000 per round trip.
According to Trans-Africa Border Hub, SARS confirmed on April 29 that Customs had authorised the temporary diversion of pre-cleared trucks away from Groblersbrug to alternative ports of entry between April 29 and May 3 to reduce congestion.
The congestion has been partly attributed to staffing shortages linked to the Freedom Day long weekend, with transport operators warning that similar disruptions could persist ahead of the May Day holiday period.
Despite the severity of the delays, Van Tonder said operators have received limited support from other agencies. “Apart from SARS, there has been little communication or assistance from border management authorities,” he noted.
With cross-border freight flows under pressure, transporters remain cautious about further disruptions and uncertain about how regional trade will be managed in the coming weeks.
