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ActionSA welcomes the South African government’s decision to temporarily close the Lebombo border in response to the escalating violence and political instability in Mozambique. This necessary measure aligns with our previous calls to secure our border and protect communities in Mpumalanga, who are on the front lines of this crisis.

While we recognise the immediate importance of this closure to maintain national security, we emphasise that temporary solutions alone are insufficient. The continued violence and instability in Mozambique highlight the urgent need for a sustainable, long-term approach. This includes strengthening border security, deploying additional personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and increasing our collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support regional stability.

ActionSA has already submitted questions to both the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Khensane Macie, and the MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, to obtain greater clarity on the security, economic, and social impacts of the crisis. This latest development is consistent with our previous concerns about the government’s preparedness to handle the spillover effect of instability in neighbouring countries.

we will continue to advocate for a proactive, resilient approach to border security that addresses the root causes of migration surges and protects South Africans, particularly in Mpumalanga, from the risks posed by cross-border criminal activities and potential humanitarian crises. Temporary measures are necessary, but only decisive, long-term action will ensure lasting security for our communities.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Mpumalanga Legislature Thoko Mashiane