South Africa Warns Tourists of Election Unrest in Mozambique

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has cautioned South African tourists planning to visit Mozambique during the festive season. The warning comes as Mozambique deals with political unrest following the disputed October 9 elections.

Tensions Impact Tourism and Trade

During a bilateral meeting held in Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa and Mozambique discussed measures to manage the tense situation. Lamola highlighted the challenges on the Lebombo Corridor, a critical trade and transport route connecting the two nations.

“The situation remains tense. It will not be easy for people to just go in terms of tourism,” Lamola said.

The corridor plays a vital role in South Africa’s energy security, facilitating the transport of petroleum products and gas. Despite ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, South Africa has advised its citizens to exercise caution.

Trade Disruptions Costing Billions

South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, revealed that trade declarations between October 9 and December 6, 2024, were down by 20% compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has cost the economy approximately R4.8 billion, though the figure is still being finalized.

Contingency plans under consideration include:

• Routing goods through Eswatini’s Lomahasha border post.
• Using the Komatipoort border point as an alternative.
• Temporarily suspending cargo passage through the Lebombo border.

Mozambique’s Commitment to Stability

Mozambique’s Minister of Interior, Pascoal Ronda, acknowledged the significant impact of the unrest on both countries’ economies and free movement. He assured South Africa that Mozambique’s government is committed to addressing disruptions and maintaining security along the Maputo Corridor.

“We will ensure nothing like what happened before takes place again,” Ronda said.

Ronda also noted Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi had extended an invitation for talks with opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, though Mondlane has yet to respond.

The Importance of Regional Stability

Lamola stressed the importance of respecting Mozambique’s legal processes, particularly the pending decision from its Constitutional Council, which is expected to rule on the election recount in the coming days.

“As you are aware, that outcome is important for us as a country at a bilateral level… and for the multilateral forum we sit in within the SADC region and AU,” Lamola said.

What This Means for Travelers

While transport and trade continue to move between South Africa and Mozambique, tourists are advised to delay non-essential visits to the region until the situation stabilizes.

Key Takeaways for Tourists:

• Monitor travel advisories from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
• Avoid non-essential travel to Mozambique during this period.
• Be cautious when using the Maputo Corridor for transportation.

South Africa will continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates as necessary.

As Mozambique awaits the Constitutional Council’s ruling, tensions remain high, impacting both trade and tourism. South African tourists are urged to remain vigilant and reconsider plans to visit Mozambique until stability is restored.

For updates on travel advisories, stay connected with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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