The newly erected fence that separates Zimbabwe and South Africa built south of the Limpopo river has been damaged and the cause of the damage is not known at this moment. There have been claims that the border was damaged by South Africans who are buying beer and cigarettes from the Zimbabwean side. Other reports in Zimbabwe indicate that it was destroyed by Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa.
The fence new fence was erected at the expense of South Africa who felt they needed to avoid an influx of Zimbabweans moving into South Africa in search of medical care during the covid-19 pandemic era.
The fence was found damaged by South African forces who are manning the border.
South Africa’s Public Works Minister Patricia de Lille poured water on the issue claiming there are vandals who are destroying the fence. She did not state the objective of the vandals:
With regard to the Beitbridge border fence which DPWI is erecting and criminal elements damaging the fence: I am investigating this matter. The contractor has increased security personnel. The Defence force has also deployed soldiers to patrol the border.This was a project by DPWI to secure the borders and repair and replace the fence which has been badly damaged. I have requested that the Department of Defense increase security measures as reinforcement to protect our borders especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.
South African is contemplating the use of drones to aid personnel who does physical checking along the border fence.
The fence is currently being repaired and the South African defence forces have been deployed to the scene.
The erection of the fence has not been without its own challenges. The Vhembe Communal Properties’ Association under Musina municipality, would have approached the Home Affairs minister expressing their concern as the contractor is not employing locals. The erection of the fence was ordered after South Africa declared a state of emergency which gave the Minister power to cut corners and ensure the fence is erected in the shortest possible time.
Zimbabwe and South Africa are separated by the river Limpopo. The colonial borders resulted in the separation of the Venda speaking community who are residing both in the Limpopo province in South Africa and in Matabeleland South in Zimbabwe.
