By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The ZANU PF Economic Development and Empowerment Cluster delegation yesterday toured the Beitbridge Border Post as part of a fact-finding mission aimed primarily at assessing the effectiveness of current anti-smuggling operations and exploring opportunities for further improvements in border security.
During the delegation’s briefing at Zimborders offices, Beitbridge East MP Honorable Ngulube acknowledged the government’s efforts to curb the influx of counterfeit goods into the country.
However, he raised concerns on behalf of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), transporters, and other traders, highlighting that the operations are being conducted recklessly, negatively impacting local businesses.
“It is good that you came to see for yourselves and address the issue. However, the operation is now disturbing income, as some SMEs in Beitbridge source their goods from South Africa,” he stated.
Ngulube also raised the issue of high customs duties, which he said could lead people to seek alternative routes, given the porous nature of the border.
He urged the government to address the problem of multiple inspections along a single route, which he believes facilitates corruption.
“Once the goods are inspected at the border, there is no need for another inspection along the way. If goods are confiscated during transit, then the problem lies at the border post,” he added.
Cde Engelbert Rugeje, the Secretary for Economic Affairs in the ruling party’s Politburo, responded to these concerns, highlighting that the main objective of the operation is to accelerate business formalization and restore order to the economy.
“The operation is aimed at protecting the goods essential to our economy and people, as many of the counterfeit products being smuggled are entering informal markets, which negatively impact the formal market to the extent that some businesses are closing down,” he said.
Rugeje further emphasized the need for a mutual understanding between traders and the government in addressing the current situation, stating that workshops will be conducted across the country to raise awareness on the issue.
“Therefore, it is our responsibility to find ways to consolidate the case already made, tighten any loose ends, and ensure that the operation benefits all businesses, both big and small,” he added.
“The party, through the Economic Development and Empowerment Cluster, will hold workshops in all provinces to encourage SMEs and cross-border traders to formalize their operations and comply with government regulations for tax obligations,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the shortcomings in the way the operation has been handled thus far.
“We agree with some of the bureaucratic challenges in the management of our operations. The issues raised by Honorable Ngulube are of serious concern to the party,” he noted.
The ZANU PF Economic Development & Empowerment Cluster delegation’s visit to the Beitbridge Border Post has shown the need to strike a balance between effective border security measures and the economic realities faced by local businesses.