Travellers See No Rule Change Yet in SA-Mozambique Border Talks

South Africa's Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga, has called on the governments of South Africa and Mozambique to work more closely together to make it easier for citizens of the two countries to move across their shared border. She made the comments on 19 October 2026 at an event in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga.

Key facts

• Who spoke: Angie Motshekga, South Africa's Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
• Where: Mbuzini, Mpumalanga, South Africa
• When: 19 October 2026
• What was asked for: closer South Africa–Mozambique cooperation on border movement
• What was announced: no change to entry rules, documents, fees or border procedures

What did the minister say?

Motshekga was attending the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that killed former Mozambique President Samora Machel. Speaking to media at the event, she described the border fence as "artificial borders are just a legacy of colonisation", noting that families are separated by it.

She argued that the two countries need to work together economically so that people who have homes in Mozambique can work in South Africa and return home at the weekend, rather than being kept out and building a life only in South Africa.

Are any border rules changing?

No. The minister called for cooperation between the two governments, but the announcement does not include any new entry rules, visa arrangements, border opening hours, documents, fees or a timetable for change. No start date has been announced.

What happens next?

No further steps, decisions or dates have been announced following the minister's remarks. Travellers planning to cross between South Africa and Mozambique should continue to follow the entry rules currently in force and check for any official updates before travelling.