Harsh border policies hit Zimbabwe’s poor

by FHATU MULAUDZI
BEITBRIDGE, (CAJ News) – ANGER is mounting over the treatment of Zimbabwean citizens at the Beitbridge Border Post, where authorities are accused of subjecting already struggling travellers to inhumane conditions amid deepening economic hardship.

Reports of inhumane treatment at the border have triggered sharp criticism of the Zimbabwean government by the newly formed pressure group Citizens Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ).

The organisation has called for dignity, respect and empathy for citizens already burdened by economic hardship and systemic mismanagement.

Travellers crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa report excessive delays, invasive searches and the confiscation of legally purchased goods by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Some buses are reportedly detained for more than 24 hours, exposing passengers to distress and psychological strain.

Those most affected are vulnerable groups — elderly women, single mothers and child-headed families—who rely on cross-border trade for survival.

In an interview with CAJ News Africa, CWZ President Ms Patience Chard said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the manner in which economically struggling Zimbabweans are being ill-treated at the border by the very government that should care for them.”

She added: “We urgently call upon the authorities to review the US$200 threshold on goods purchased from South Africa, as it unfairly restricts law-abiding citizens from meeting their basic needs.”

She said many citizens, including graduates, have no source of income due to the absence of jobs.

Isheunesu Maroveki concurred: “This chaos at the border reflects Zimbabwe’s severe unemployment crisis, widely estimated to be above 80% when informal work is considered.”

He added: “Such a rate of unemployment means that the vast majority of people survive through precarious, unregulated activities, without job security, social protection or stable income—conditions that entrench poverty and inequality.”

Compounding the crisis is the high cost of living, particularly fuel prices in Zimbabwe, which are among the highest in the Southern African region.

This has intensified suffering for ordinary citizens, as transport and commodity prices continue to rise.

Critics argue that politically connected elites who control segments of the fuel sector are exploiting global shocks, including tensions in the Middle East, to artificially inflate prices for personal gain—further burdening an already struggling population.

Zimbabwe’s current reality contrasts sharply with its past.

Once regarded as the “breadbasket of Africa”, the country was a regional economic powerhouse with strong agricultural output and industrial capacity.

However, decades of misgovernance under ZANU-PF—characterised by corruption, cronyism and cadreship—have eroded institutions, discouraged investment and crippled productivity.

A government that tax heavily yet fails to deliver basic services—such as healthcare, infrastructure and employment—places an unjust burden on its citizens.

When state systems prioritise elites over the majority, inequality deepens and social trust collapses.

Policies that appear punitive, such as aggressive border enforcement against struggling traders, further alienate the population.

By contrast, effective governance requires creating an enabling environment for economic participation.

This includes combating corruption, ensuring policy consistency, protecting property rights and investing in youth-driven enterprises.

Financially supporting young entrepreneurs can stimulate innovation, reduce unemployment and attract both domestic and foreign investors.

Pressure groups like CWZ play a vital role in holding authorities accountable. By amplifying citizens’ voices and exposing injustices, they contribute to democratic oversight and policy reform.

As Ms Chard emphasised, “It is high time citizens receive fair treatment. People need jobs, reliable services and a government that enables opportunity rather than obstructing survival.”

Ultimately, sustainable national recovery depends on leadership that prioritises public welfare over political patronage.

— CAJ News