Peak Migratory Flow at Ressano Garcia Border Post-Festive Season

Maputo Province, Mozambique - January 3, 2025

Since Thursday, the Ressano Garcia border in Maputo Province has seen an extraordinary surge in migratory movement as travelers make their way back home following the festive season. To manage the heightened influx, the Kilometer 4 service post at Ressano Garcia was brought back into operation, staffed with teams from both Mozambique and South Africa.

A significant portion of the traffic includes over 4,000 mineworkers out of an anticipated 12,000 who visit Mozambique during holiday periods. Remarkably, half of these workers had already returned to their jobs shortly after Christmas, demonstrating the urgency to resume economic activities.

Boaventura Manhique, the Labour Ministry delegate in South Africa, highlighted that special measures were put in place to ease the return of these workers. "We have a dedicated mineworker counter at Ressano Garcia, where they receive different treatment from the general public using the border," he explained. This initiative aims to streamline the process for mineworkers, ensuring they can return to their work duties with minimal delay.

Moreover, Manhique seized the moment to address safety concerns, urging the mineworkers who are yet to return to practice defensive driving. "We must emphasize the importance of road safety. Defensive driving can prevent accidents, especially during these times when road usage is peak," he cautioned.

The reactivation of the Kilometer 4 service post and the specialized services for mineworkers illustrate a cooperative effort between Mozambican and South African authorities to manage the flow of people efficiently and safely during this busy period. This approach not only facilitates the movement of individuals but also supports the economic stability of the region by ensuring that key workers like mineworkers can resume their roles swiftly after holidays.

The situation at Ressano Garcia serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of the economies of Mozambique and South Africa and the importance of cross-border cooperation in managing human mobility during peak times.

Source: RM