Many nationals from neighbouring countries say lower prices, better value, and quality of products in South Africa entice them to come to the country to buy essential goods.

The border town of Musina in Limpopo has become a bustling economic hub over the years, with people from countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia crossing the Beitbridge border post to do shopping.

Cross-border shoppers

Downtown Musina is a whirlwind of activities as South Africa’s northernmost town welcomes thousands of cross-border shoppers and traders who come to buy commodities such as food, hardware materials and clothes.

The buyers and traders say South Africa offers a wider variety of affordable consumer goods. They say many important commodities are either unavailable or expensive back home.

One public transit driver explains, “As far as I’m concerned, it is very easy and convenient. Myself as a transporter, I take people from Zimbabwe to buy here in Musina. They buy and sell back at home. This becomes very reliable and convenient for us.”

A frequent buyer says, “I love coming here because things here are cheaper than in Zimbabwe and some important things are not available there.”

Some businesspeople in Musina say people from neighbouring countries are the mainstay of their businesses.

Musina businessman, Ali Ahmed Dofa says, “One can see a lot of businesses belong to foreigners, but what we are doing here is selling to Zimbabweans. Should Zimbabweans not come to South Africa, we will not have any business. Once we see the border closed, no one will have business around here.”

The Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry says cross-border buyers pump billions of rands into the South African economy annually.

President of the Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Albert Jeleni says, “These cross-border shoppers and commercial traders do far more than just buy groceries, they act as decentralized exporters, by purchasing South African manufactured goods, textiles and building materials directly from local wholesalers.

“They pump billions of rands into our retail sector and keep thousands of our SMMEs alive. If we were to look at these from the import-export point of view their massive purchasing power is the literal foundation justifying major projects like the Musina-Makhado special economic zone and the multi-billion rand upgrade to the Beitbridge border,” Jeleni adds.