By Jasper Raats
Border control along Limpopo’s northern border with Zimbabwe is in a state of disrepair, putting the future of agriculture, tourism and the world-renowned Mapungubwe National Park at significant risk.
This warning comes from Jacques Smalle, a member of the provincial legislature and the DA’s spokesperson on economic development, the environment and tourism. He stated that the area around Mapungubwe has become a hotspot for organised smuggling gangs, who, due to inaction by authorities, continue their illicit activities without hindrance. Smalle has urgently called on Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba to deploy state resources immediately to address the issue.
“The situation is so dire that it not only jeopardises the integrity of Mapungubwe, but also threatens the sustainability of tourism and agriculture in the region,” Smalle says.
In addition to the daily smuggling of cigarettes, which undermines South Africa’s legal tobacco industry, the commercial smuggling of goats poses a serious risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to local livestock. “This represents a direct threat to South Africa’s agricultural exports,” Smalle warns. He also stresses the need for a thorough investigation into allegations that smuggling gangs are using forged veterinary certificates, possibly with the assistance of corrupt officials.
Weak governance
Farmers in the region have recently reported escalating threats and intimidation by criminal syndicates. At a recent stakeholder meeting in Mapungubwe, farmers revealed that these syndicates are even using drones to monitor law enforcement officers and local communities.
During the same meeting, farmers highlighted how the collapse of border control has turned Mapungubwe National Park into a smuggling route. The lack of proper fencing and monitoring has also led to an influx of elephants from Zimbabwe, putting additional strain on local ecosystems. This situation has contributed to illegal livestock grazing in the park, as well as theft, sabotage of infrastructure, nighttime poaching and predator poisoning. Reports indicate that there are no longer any lions in the park.
Mapungubwe is not only a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Smalle says.
“This area is critical for agriculture in Limpopo, both for its biosecurity and as a hub for the province’s tourism industry. Weak governance is now the greatest threat to the survival of this vital park.”
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