The Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily suspended operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port of Entry due to flooding in the two ports and surrounding areas.
Pafuri is a Port of Entry between South Africa and Mozambique, situated in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park.
“Pafuri Gate, which provides access to Pafuri Port of Entry and located approximately 30 km from the Port, has also been closed due to high flood water levels.
Giriyondo, also a port between South Africa and Mozambique, is an important part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe,” said BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi.
According to Mogotsi, the BMA has also been informed by rangers at the Kruger National Park that the water level at the Luvuvhu River bridge had risen by half a metre compared to Saturday.
Furthermore, the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are currently overflowing, while the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water.
“Given that the Luvuvhu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels have posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure in the area.
In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the Border Management Authority has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve,” explained Mokgosi.
Mokgosi also highlighted that all BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.
No injuries or damages to the infrastructure have been reported.
The BMA has advised travellers who intend to access Pafuri Gate to use Punda Maria Gate located 65km from the Port of Entry as an alternative access point.
