SA pays price for Moz riots

ECONOMISTS: FREIGHT ALREADY LOST R5BN; GOODS CAN'T COME IN OR OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA

- Masoka Dube

The unrest in Mozambique has led to the closure of the Lebombo border post, costing truckers and the economy billions, according to economists and freight associations.

Residents of Mozambique took to the streets yesterday again, accusing the ruling political party, Frelimo, of rigging the votes in the national elections held last month. Yesterday was the seventh day of the shutdown.

Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, said the freight industry had already lost close to R5 billion due to the disruptions to cargo from SA moving through the Mozambique port.

"We have no data on how many trucks are stopped at the border, but various authorities have advised transport companies should not attempt to cross into Mozambique. The border is closed from that side due to the authorities addressing the post-election disruptions," said Kelly.

"This means trucks are stationary. The types of cargo can define whether there will be extended losses beyond penalties for late or no delivery."

Economist Dawie Roodt said many firms had moved their export business to Mozambique.