South Africa and Zimbabwe have favoured improving the functioning of the Beitbridge border post, which among other things will increase trade between the two countries.

Following a meeting at the border post between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the South African leader expressed hope that measures being taken to improve the functioning of the posts would be successful.

Speaking after inspecting the South African side, Ramaphosa said there was need for the two heads of state to see how both sides of the border were functioning. He said it was important that the border agencies operate smoothly to ensure ease of movement of people and to promote trade.

President Mnangagwa spoke of the warm relations between the two countries, noting that they continue to grow, as reported by
ZBC News, a partner of TV BRICS.

One of the objectives of the summit was to find solutions to illegal cross-border activities, including the movement of undocumented foreigners.

During the meeting, at which the new Border Management Authority (BMA) was unveiled, Ramaphosa explained that Pretoria had already taken the necessary steps to integrate the various functions of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Health, Fisheries, Forestry and Environment into the new body.

He said the BMA has already signed implementation protocols with the South African Revenue Service, the South African Police Service and the South African Defence Force.

Beitbridge is the main border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is located on the Limpopo River, which is the natural and political divide between the two states.

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