South Africa is stepping up to collect toll fees on southbound vehicles entering from Zimbabwe at the Beitbridge Border Post.
New framework to restructure cost-sharing with Zimbabwe
The Ministry of Transport has begun consultations with stakeholders over a new plan to introduce toll fees on vehicles.
The new system will transform operations at the busy crossing and restructure cost-sharing with Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe already charges advance tolls on vehicles entering at Beitbridge and has acted as South Africa’s agent for collecting fees on southbound traffic.
Currently, motorists pay tolls only when entering or exiting Zimbabwe.
Under the revised arrangement, South Africa will collect tolls from vehicles. Zimbabwe will continue collecting fees from vehicles entering its territory.
Gazette notice signals toll fees policy shift
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy published the proposed tolling framework in South Africa’s Government Gazette on August 15, 2025. She issued it through a notice of intent
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) will lead the initiative and has already begun hosting consultation meetings.
SANRAL spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela confirmed that the first round took place from September 8 to 12, with another session planned for October 17.
Toll fees to fund new infrastructure and road maintenance
Mahlasela stated that the toll fees will fund not only the construction of a new third freight bridge and a modern processing facility under the Smart Border initiative but also the ongoing maintenance of roads and border infrastructure.
“Going forward, South Africa will take over the tolling of the southbound traffic on entering the Beitbridge facility,” he said.
“Zimbabwe will continue collecting its normal toll fees for northbound traffic and stop collections for southbound traffic.”
He added that the revenue would enhance efficiency at the regional gateway, which is notorious for congestion.
“The system will also come with automated and transparent tolling, which will modernise the road user experience,” he said.
“SANRAL, as the implementing agency, will facilitate a comprehensive public engagement process aimed at the general public, the border post stakeholders, other state-owned entities like the Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Revenue Services (SARS), Cross-Border Road and Traffic Agency (C-BRTA), and specifically the affected Limpopo Province municipalities, provincial departments, and the Premier.”
