BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Growing anti-immigration protests in neighbouring South Africa are prompting Eswatini businesses to rethink their cross-border trade strategies, with industry leaders urging companies to strengthen logistics planning, tighten risk management and prepare for possible supply chain disruptions.
Although the protests have caused concern among importers, exporters and transport operators, economists and business leaders remain optimistic that the Kingdom can weather the challenges through proactive planning, regional cooperation and improved business continuity measures.
South Africa remains Eswatini’s largest trading partner, with thousands of tonnes of goods crossing the border every week. Any disruption to transport routes therefore has the potential to affect the availability of products, delivery schedules and operating costs for businesses on both sides of the border.
The recent demonstrations, which have reportedly affected business operations in major commercial centres including Johannesburg, have already forced some companies to temporarily suspend activities due to safety concerns. While transport movement has slowed in certain areas, cross-border trade has continued, supported by heightened security deployments and alternative logistics arrangements.
Economist Sanele Sibiya said the biggest challenge would likely be experienced in the transportation of physical goods, as uninterrupted road networks remain critical for trade between Eswatini and South Africa.
“This is going to distort commerce, more especially in trading goods rather than services, because goods still have to move and they still need to cross the border into South Africa,” he said.
Sibiya explained that reduced activity along key transport corridors could place additional pressure on freight companies, resulting in longer delivery times, increased transport costs and greater operational risks for businesses that depend heavily on imports and exports.
In response, several freight operators have reportedly adjusted delivery schedules, identified alternative routes and strengthened security measures to protect drivers, vehicles and cargo travelling through areas affected by the unrest.
Despite these challenges, transport operators remain hopeful that trade will continue with minimal disruption.
Truck drivers interviewed at border posts expressed confidence that increased security by South African authorities would enable them to complete their deliveries safely.
“It’s safe here, ma’am, please,” one truck driver said, expressing optimism that transport operations would continue despite the protests.
Business Federation of Eswatini President Thulisile Dladla said businesses should remain alert without allowing uncertainty to create panic.
She encouraged companies to strengthen their internal risk management systems while continuing to serve customers and maintain trade flows.
Dladla also advised businesses to carefully review their consignment insurance policies before transporting goods into potentially affected areas, ensuring they clearly understand the extent of their insurance cover during periods of civil unrest.
In addition, she urged transporters and traders to maintain detailed records of transport routes, security checkpoints and delivery schedules, saying such documentation could prove vital when processing insurance claims should losses occur.
According to Sibiya, the protests also expose deeper structural economic and social challenges within South Africa that have implications beyond its borders.
“What this speaks to is that there are structural factors that need to be addressed in the Republic of South Africa. These will have spillover effects into the entire SADC region, and Eswatini will not be spared from those,” he said.
However, he noted that the current situation also presents an opportunity for businesses across Southern Africa to become more resilient by diversifying supply chains, strengthening contingency planning and investing in more flexible logistics systems capable of responding to future disruptions.
For Eswatini, whose economy is closely integrated with South Africa through trade, manufacturing and transport, the developments highlight the growing importance of business continuity planning, stronger regional coordination and improved supply chain resilience.
While transport delays may continue for as long as the protests persist, business leaders believe that careful planning, enhanced security, effective communication between transporters and insurers, and close cooperation among regional stakeholders will help minimise disruptions and ensure that essential goods continue reaching consumers.
The situation serves as a timely reminder that although regional unrest can create short-term economic challenges, it can also encourage businesses to innovate, strengthen operational preparedness and build more resilient trading systems capable of withstanding future shocks.
