Allexer Namundjembo
South Africa has reopened its borders to Namibian fresh produce after a two-month suspension that disrupted exports and threatened thousands of jobs.
The move comes as the Zambezi Region battles a new outbreak of African migratory locusts, posing a fresh challenge to farmers.
Agriculture, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani confirmed both developments in Parliament this week, describing them as a relief and a renewed challenge for Namibia’s farming community.
South Africa halted imports of Namibian tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons and squash in August.
The suspension disrupted trade, caused financial strain, and endangered over 20 000 jobs.
“This situation was hurting our people. Our farmers saw their perishable goods spoil, and over 20 000 jobs were put at risk. Even our grape farmers, who send their fruit to Europe through South Africa, were worried,” Zaamwani told lawmakers.
The border officially reopened for Namibian horticultural products on 23 October.
While the trade relief was welcomed, the Ministry of Agriculture shifted its focus to the north, where locust swarms have emerged in Kabbe, Bukalo, Linyanti, and Luhonono.
The insects are breeding rapidly in the floodplains of Muyako and Old Masokotwani and have reached both the hopping and flying stages.
“We have deployed three teams with sprayers and vehicles to the affected areas,” Zaamwani said.
“We are spraying across the region to protect our crops and communal fields.” She appealed for help from regional councils, government agencies, and the private sector to contain the outbreak. “Do not touch, eat, or use dead locusts after spraying,” she warned.
Zambezi has faced repeated locust invasions in recent years.
In 2020, red locusts migrated from Botswana into the Chobe floodplains, while in March 2024, more than ten hectares of crops were destroyed in Lake Liambezi and Old Masokotwani.
Last year the ministry reported that locusts destroyed about ten hectares of maize fields in the region.
