The Department of Transport has revealed plans to establish a new toll plaza near the Beitbridge Border Post to Zimbabwe, the country’s busiest land crossing.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) submitted the proposal in line with the Sanral and National Roads Acts, with the announcement gazetted for public comment on 19 September 2025.
Why the Toll Plaza is Being Considered
According to Sanral, sections of the N1 leading into the Beitbridge Border Post were officially classified as national roads in 2018. Within this, an approximately 1.1-kilometre stretch of road on the South African side has been earmarked as suitable for tolling.
This area also includes connecting roads, parking bays, and supporting infrastructure.
Currently, toll fees for southbound vehicles are collected by Zimbabwean authorities on their side of the crossing. If the new proposal is approved, however, the fees will instead be charged on the South African side.
“The toll may be collected within the Border Post Area or at another location better suited to current and future border activities, as well as the preferred payment methods,” Sanral explained.
Beitbridge: A Vital Trade Gateway
Situated in Limpopo Province within the Musina Municipality, Beitbridge Border Post is the busiest entry and exit point between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Thousands of vehicles and hundreds of trucks pass through daily, supporting not only bilateral trade but also commerce with Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, the DRC, and the wider SADC region.
To improve efficiency and security, a R4 billion upgrade project was launched at the border in 2018. The refurbishment has already delivered positive results, easing congestion and streamlining customs processes.
Before these improvements, freight trucks often faced waiting periods of up to a week to cross. Today, delays have been drastically reduced, boosting trade and economic activity for South Africa and its regional partners.
What Comes Next
With the proposal now open for public input, stakeholders and citizens will have the chance to voice their concerns or support. If implemented, the toll plaza could reshape how cross-border transport costs are managed and potentially provide additional funding for maintaining one of South Africa’s most crucial trade routes.
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