By Rex Mphisa
BEITBRIDGE recorded an increased movement this year with almost twice as much arrivals from South Africa at the just-ended Easter holidays when 72 185 people entered and country compared to 34 571 at the same time last year.
There were 52 728 departures compared to 34 283 at the same time last year, according to statistics from the Department of Immigration at Beitbridge.
All figures show an upward trend in movement in all directions and figures start to grow almost a week before Good Friday when most people entered and left the country as well.
This year, the South African side which has been responsible for delays over the years was better organised after officials from their head office and their national broadcaster descended on the border town.
“They were better organised and the delays were minimal if any. It was important their head office descended to Beitbridge,” a regular traveller Bongani Masuku said.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner in South Africa Michael Masiapato was at Beitbridge on Monday, monitoring his teams processing of travelers.