The controversial R37m fence along the border with Zimbabwe has been cut and Zimbabweans can freely illegally enter and exit South Africa on foot.
The border fence in Limpopo was erected as an emergency measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 in 2020 but smugglers started vandalising it shortly after it was erected.
While a portion of the fence is still standing, huge sections are missing after it was cut to create openings for illegal migrants to cross into South Africa and transport goods back home.
Last week, the media joined soldiers deployed under “Operation Corona” on their daily patrol as they intensified their operations along the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, where illegal crossings are rife.
At the HaTshirundu border gate, those crossing illegally do so at ease as the river is dry.
People sit next to the river's edge.
Empty cigarette packets and codeine cough syrup bottles litter the dry riverbed. A few donkeys graze and drink water along the river.
The commander of Bravo Company deployed in support of 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Maj Shihlangoma Mahlahlane, said the damaged fence is a challenge.
“The fence is down because of the same people who are carrying groceries out. It was fine two years ago, but unfortunately they took advantage of us not being able to be everywhere and cut the fence for exits and entries,” he said.
Fridges, washing machines, bread, polony, milk, petrol, curtain rails, diapers, pillows, blankets and clothes are some of the most popular goods passing the Beitbridge border post as it remains a bustling hub.
Zimbabwean nationals cross in and out of South Africa, carrying with them a variety of goods. For many, the journey is a quick trip, while for others, it can stretch over several days.
Some travellers, faced with having to travel long distances, find themselves spending nights in buses or camping out on the roadside near the border post.
Many Zimbabweans take advantage of the chance to import goods for resale or buy items at reduced prices that are in high demand back home.
Everything in Zimbabwe is hard. We buy apples, clothes, chicken feet so we can sell them to survive. The food on that side is expensive, here they are cheap. I buy chicken feet and heads so that I can sell and feed my family
— Betserai Zimoyo
For many, it is a means of survival.
Betserai Zimoyo, 50, carrying goods on her head and on her back, said she came to South Africa to buy chicken feet and heads to sell so she can feed her family.
“Everything in Zimbabwe is hard. We buy apples, clothes, chicken feet so we can sell them to survive. The food on that side is expensive, here they are cheap” she said.
She said her five grown-up children had no work.
“They are just sitting like rotten pumpkin, no work, no food, no electricity, it's tough. I am 50-years old and I am still working for my children,” she said.
A woman who did not want to be named said it would have been easier if they could buy in their own country. The woman said it takes her more than eight hours to travel from Chegutu to the border and she only gets to travel once a month. The trip takes her two days and she has to sleep at the border.
“I came yesterday and slept at the border, and we cross today. There is no accommodation, we sleep in the bus. It is uncomfortable but there is nothing we can do,” she said.
She said food was more affordable in South Africa.
A woman who only identified herself as Sharon said she travels to buy food that is expensive in Zimbabwe.
Like most of her fellow nationals, the journey takes her more than seven hours.
A Zimbabwean who only wanted to be identified as Silent said it is easy to travel between the two countries when you have proper documentation.
“The only complaint is about the lines, you can stand in the line for about two to three hours,” he said.
He said he usually comes to work in South Africa.
“In our place there is drought, I usually go home and spend seven days and go back.”
He said during December it takes two to three days to travel.
“December is very busy,” he said.
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