The National Assembly has adopted the Report of the Joint Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security and War Veterans’ Affairs and the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security on the status of Zimbabwe’s border posts, following a detailed debate highlighting the importance of strengthening national border governance.
Presenting the motion, Exevia Maoneke commended Members of Parliament who contributed to the debate and those who participated in the nationwide fact-finding visits to various border posts. He underscored that border security governance is central to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic well-being.
“Border security governance entails national security, and national security means the protection and preservation of our sovereignty, political stability, and economic strength from both external and internal threats,” said Maoneke.
“It covers areas such as military defence, intelligence, cyber security, and the control of illegal movements across borders.”
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He further emphasised that effective border control plays a crucial role in curbing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and cybercrime, while ensuring smooth regulation of trade and customs.
“Strong borders are a foundation for economic stability and for the safety of our citizens,” he noted.
Economic observers have constantly raised concerns over the state of infrastructure and staffing levels at major border posts, calling for modernisation, improved coordination among security agencies, and the use of technology to enhance surveillance and efficiency.
A 2020 International Crisis Group report confirmed that Zimbabwe is losing an estimated US$1.5 billion annually to gold smuggling roughly 22.4 tonnes a year, or 1.87 tonnes every month.
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