[ad_1]
MUSINA – The closure of the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe led to an increase in smuggling between the two countries.
With Zimbabwe moving from Level 4 to Level 1 of its blockade, smugglers admit they will lose business.
Despite this, one group has welcomed the reopening of the border, saying it will bring much-needed relief to the people of Zimbabwe.
EXCLUSIVE: Getting in and out of Zimbabwe with ease
Named after the cargo trucks of Zambia, the group of people who cross the border are called Zalawis.
However, unlike truck drivers, their job is illegal – helping smuggle goods from South Africa to Zimbabwe starting at R50 per bag.
Many of those who work as smugglers are skilled professionals, who say there is no work in Zimbabwe.
A smuggler explained that it was not his first choice of employment when he arrived in South Africa.
He came to Gauteng as a construction worker and was able to make ends meet for a while, but was then forced to go home.
“Being arrested without proper documentation, I decided to return to Zimbabwe, then I could not go back to teaching because when I left I did not resign properly,” he said.
Looking for an alternative, he was hired as a security officer, but after earning just R200 per week, he says he had no choice but to work in the bushes.
The closure of the Beitbridge border in March, when Zimbabwe went into lockdown, has seen more business go to the Zalawis, but as those regulations are relaxed, pedestrians will be able to cross once more.
Many of these jumpers say they are happy that Zimbabweans can get products at a lower price again, even if they lose out.
Border jumpers know that their smuggling businesses will continue the way they have before the shutdown and the coronavirus pandemic.
