By Mapaballo Borotho
- Flooding has forced the temporary closure of two border posts between South Africa and Mozambique.
- The Border Management Authority says rising river levels pose a safety risk to travellers and staff.
- Travellers heading to Pafuri are advised to use Punda Maria Gate as an alternative entry point.
Operations at two border posts between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the surrounding areas.
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Michael Masiapato, informed the public about the suspension of the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Pafuri Port of Entry is a border crossing between South Africa and Mozambique, situated in the far northern region of Kruger National Park.
“Pafuri Gate, which provides access to Pafuri Port of Entry and is located approximately 30km from the port, has also been closed due to high flood water levels,” said Masiapato.
Giriyondo Border Post, which is also a crossing between South Africa and Mozambique, forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Reports from rangers at Kruger National Park who are monitoring the area indicated that the water level at the Luvuvhu River bridge had risen by approximately half a metre compared to Saturday.
Additional updates confirmed that the Klein Letaba River and Middlevlei River are currently overflowing, while the Letaba River bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water.
“Given that the Luvuvhu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels have posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers and infrastructure in the area. In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the Border Management Authority has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve,” said Masiapato.
People intending to access Pafuri Gate are advised to use the Punda Maria Gate as an alternative entry point.
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