The Department of Transport has published plans for a new toll plaza at the Beitbridge Border Post, South Africa’s busiest land border crossing into Zimbabwe.
According to the notice, the proposal is now open for public comment until 19 September 2025. The move forms part of a long-term infrastructure programme aimed at improving traffic management and enhancing revenue collection along the N1 trade corridor.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) recommended the toll plaza under the SANRAL and National Roads Acts, after portions of the N1 were reclassified as national roads in 2018. The section earmarked for tolling is a 1.1-kilometre stretch that lies entirely within the South African side of the Beitbridge International Border Post in Limpopo’s Musina Municipality.
A Key Trade Route
Beitbridge is South Africa’s busiest land crossing, connecting the country to Zimbabwe while serving as a gateway for trade with Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, the DRC, and other SADC countries. Every day, thousands of travellers and over 300 freight trucks use the crossing, carrying billions of rands worth of goods across the region.
Read | Zimborders Announces Toll Fee Increases Effective February 2025
Background and Proposal
The tolling plan follows a R4-billion border upgrade launched in 2018 to ease congestion and improve efficiency. Before the revamp, truckers reported delays of up to a week. Since completion, the crossing has been operating 24 hours a day with far smoother traffic flows.
Currently, toll fees for southbound traffic are collected by Zimbabwean authorities. If approved, the new plaza would allow South Africa to start charging tolls on its side of the border.
Public Participation
The Department of Transport has invited submissions from the public, with comments due by 19 September 2025.
The proposal is expected to spark debate, particularly around the cost of tolls, their impact on trade and whether the system will genuinely improve efficiency for road users.
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