Limpopo – The Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily suspended operations at the Pafuri and Giriyondo Ports of Entry due to flooding in the ports and surrounding areas, the authority announced on Monday.
“Operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the two ports and surrounding areas,” BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said.
Pafuri, located in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park, serves as a border post between South Africa and Mozambique. Pafuri Gate, which provides access to the port and is situated approximately 30 km away, has also been closed due to high flood water levels.
[NEWS JUST IN!!!!] BMA SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AT PAFURI AND GIRIYONDO PORTS OF ENTRY DUE TO FLOODING
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, wishes to inform the public that operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port…
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) March 15, 2026
Giriyondo, another key port between South Africa and Mozambique, forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
According to Kruger National Park rangers, “the water level at the Luvuvhu River bridge had risen by approximately half a metre compared to yesterday.” Updates also confirmed that the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are overflowing, while the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity because of continued heavy inflows.
@TheBMA_SA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato wishes to inform the public that operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the two ports and surrounding areas. pic.twitter.com/J5s8HuUrfe
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) March 15, 2026
“Given that the Luvuvhu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels have posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure in the area,” Dr Masiapato said. “In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the Border Management Authority has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve.”
All BMA staff, Port Management Committee members, and operational vehicles stationed at the ports were safely evacuated. “There have been no injuries or damages to the infrastructure reported,” the commissioner confirmed.
NEWS JUST IN!!@TheBMA_SA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato reports that operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the two ports and surrounding areas.
Pafuri is a Port of Entry between South Africa… pic.twitter.com/24tFkY4piS
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) March 15, 2026
Travellers intending to access Pafuri Gate have been advised to use Punda Maria Gate as an alternative. Located approximately 65 km from the port, Punda Maria Gate currently remains accessible.
The BMA said it is continuing to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with relevant authorities and park management officials. “Operations will resume once it is deemed safe to do so,” Dr Masiapato added.
“The Border Management Authority remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all border operations while safeguarding the wellbeing of officials and the travelling public,” the statement said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
