Komatipoort ready for Mozambique miners
2010-12-17 22:30
Maputo - The Komatipoort border with Mozambique is ready for the Christmas migration of Mozambican mine workers from mines on the Witwatersrand, an official said on Friday.
Around 30 000 Mozambican miners are expected to travel back to Mozambique this weekend ahead of the festive season.
Border spokesperson Henson Msongweni told Sapa that all systems were go for the big move.
On the Mozambican side authorities from customs, the labour ministry and immigration had also worked to facilitate the migration, reported state-owned newspaper Noticias.
Officials were prepared at the Komatipoort border post as well as Mozambique's Goba and Namaacha borders with Swaziland, labour ministry spokesperson Jafar Buana told the newspaper.
Authorities have opened the Komatipoort border post for 24 hours a day from December 1 to January 17.
Earlier this year crossings were opened for freight carriers some distance before the border to ease congestion.
Trucks are cleared a few kilometres before the border post on each side, leaving the post open for light traffic and pedestrians.
The Komatipoort post plans to open a separate crossing for pedestrians and passengers as well next year.
- SAPA