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Covid test certificate demand causes huge congestion that will force many companies to close, industry warns 11 January 2021 - 20:00
Delays caused by Covid-19 testing protocols at SA’s busiest land borders have cost the road freight industry more than R2.5bn and has sparked a growing humanitarian crisis, warns Southern Africa’s largest transport association.
Thousands of commuters, truck drivers and holidaymakers have been stranded for up to seven days in queues stretching nearly 20km into Zimbabwe and Mozambique as people enter SA.
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Timeslive
SOUTH Africa home affairs minister Aaron has set the record straight regarding recent congestion at the Beitbridge border post.
The home affairs minister was outlining the government’s Covid-19 intervention procedures as the country expected volumes of people to return to SA between January 2 and 14.
He said among reported inaccuracies were claims that the government, particularly his department, failed to plan ahead to reduce huge congestion at Beitbridge.
“It was also claimed that as a result of this lack of planning, four or five truck drivers died of dehydration while waiting in the queue because the state failed to provide water and ablution facilities.”
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa will not allow anyone into the country without the required documents, including results of a valid Covid-19 coronavirus test.
Motsoaledi was briefing the media on Wednesday on immigration matters and border law enforcement under the adjusted Covid-19 level 3 restrictions.
His comments come in the wake of the huge congestion at the borders before Christmas, especially at the Beitbridge border post, where people and trucks leaving the country were stranded for days.
The travellers complained about lack of water and ablution facilities. A number of deaths were reported as a result of the delays in clearing the congestion.
Home affairs
minister
Aaron Motsoaledi has rubbished claims that four truck drivers died at Beitbridge border post as a result of massive congestion.
According to the minister, only one truck driver died but he would not divulge the cause of death.
He also dismissed claims that the congestion was a result of poor planning by government.
Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi has rubbished claims that four truck drivers died at the Beitbridge border post as a result of massive congestion.
Between 23 and 26 December reports emerged of snaking queues at the border post in Limpopo with multiple claims that the congestion was a result of poor planning by government.