South Africa Confirms Plan To Toll Cars At Beitbridge Border In Major Policy Shift

Dual Tolls Coming To Beitbridge Border Post Soon

A major policy shift is on the horizon for the continent’s busiest land border. South Africa has officially confirmed it is moving forward with a plan to introduce toll fees for vehicles entering its territory through the Beitbridge Border Post. This dramatic change would see motorists paying tolls on both sides of the frontier for the first time, fundamentally altering the financial dynamics of crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The plan was first revealed in the South African Government Gazette on 15 August 2025, through a notice by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. Consultations are now underway, led by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

Stakeholder consultations begin

SANRAL has confirmed that it has started engaging with key players to shape the tolling framework. The first round of meetings was held over a week in September, bringing together transport operators, freight companies, and representatives of cross-border commuters.

SANRAL spokesperson Mr Lwando Mahlasela explained:

“SANRAL confirms that the first round of meetings ran between September 8 and 12, with another scheduled for October 17.”

The consultation phase is designed to gather input and address concerns before final tariffs are confirmed and published.

A new tolling reality for motorists

At present, motorists only pay toll fees when entering or leaving the Zimbabwean side of the border. The proposed arrangement changes this dramatically.

South Africa will introduce its own tolls for all vehicles entering through Beitbridge, while Zimbabwe will continue charging for vehicles entering its territory. This means a driver travelling into South Africa and returning through Beitbridge will face two separate toll payments.

The exact tariff levels have not been disclosed yet. SANRAL confirmed that the final amounts will be determined after consultations and then gazetted.

Potential impact on border operations

Beitbridge Border Post is a critical trade and transit hub, handling billions of Rands in goods and millions of people annually. Analysts warn that the additional costs could influence travel patterns, freight charges, and small-scale cross-border trading.

Industry watchers believe the outcome of consultations will be key in shaping how businesses and motorists absorb the new charges.

According to the Sunday Mail, the dual-toll system is expected to reshape cross-border logistics, with ripple effects across regional economies.