MBABANE: Princess Lindiwe, the Minister of Home Affairs has on Monday afternoon announced that the Oshoek border post would permanently operate 24 hours effective Friday, 17th December 2021.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Cabinet offices in Mbabane, the Minister said the arrangement was in line with the economic aspirations of both South Africa and eSwatini.
“It will bring immeasurable socio-economic benefits to our people.It will further facilitate increased regional integration with our neighboring states", she said.
Reached for comments, Mathokoza Sikhondze, the Coordinator of the Coalition of Informal Economy Associations of Swaziland (CIEAS) welcomed the move.
“This will greatly benefit our hawkers who get their stock from South Africa,this means they will now replenish their stock anytime without rushing to the border.We would also like the same arrangement to be made with Mozambique, but Government will have to also allow supermarkets to operate 24 hours a day in order to cater for those who will be getting into the country at night”,said the Coordinator.
The announcement comes exactly two days after Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini announced the suspension of the COVID-19 curfew to allow the free movement of tourists and for businesses to operate normally.
Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe.