BMA suspends operation at two ports of entry due to flooding
South Africa’s Border Management Authority has suspended Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry with Mozambique due to flooding, redirecting travellers to Punda Maria Gate while ensuring staff safety and monitoring rising river levels.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily suspended operations at the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry between South Africa and Mozambique due to flooding.
Pafuri is located in the northern part of the Kruger National Park, while Giriyondo is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said there have been no injuries or reported damage to port infrastructure.
“All BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.”
Reports from Kruger National Park rangers indicated that the water level at the Luvuvhu River bridge near Pafuri had risen by approximately half a metre compared to the previous day.
Mogotsi confirmed that the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are currently overflowing, while the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to continued inflow.
“The rapidly rising water levels at the Luvuvhu River pose a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure in the area,” Mogotsi said, adding that operations at the affected ports would remain suspended until conditions improve.
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Travellers intending to access Pafuri Port of Entry have been advised to use the Punda Maria Gate as an alternative. Punda Maria is located approximately 65 kilometres from Pafuri and is currently open.
The BMA is responsible for managing border operations across South Africa and coordinating responses to disruptions, including natural events such as flooding. Ports of entry along the Limpopo province have experienced periodic closures during heavy rainfall, particularly along rivers running through the Kruger National Park.
The Pafuri and Giriyondo ports connect South Africa with northern Mozambique and are part of a network of border posts that facilitate trade, tourism, and cross-border travel within the Southern African region.
Operations at both ports will resume once river levels return to safe thresholds and the BMA confirms that personnel and infrastructure can operate without risk.
