The number of trucks travelling from South Africa to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, has plunged as a result of the recent unrest in that country, following a disputed election last year.
According to the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), some days in December saw the Lebombo border post close to capacity, with about 1 500 trucks passing through, but on other days the number was as low as 900.
Ahead of the inauguration of the new Mozambican President, Daniel Chapo, last week, the daily rate fell to as low as 500, amid fears that unrest could break out again.
Maputo has become a key port for South African exporters, with logistical issues constraining exports at ports such as Richards Bay and Durban.
[Image: Gustavo Sugahara – HSH,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44695375]