Lesotho, SA in bilateral move to ease trade
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) launched a joint initiative called the End-to-End Time Release Study (TRS) – a major step towards improving trade and movement between Lesotho and South Africa on Tuesday. The event held this week marks the beginning of a collaborative study between RSL, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The goal of the bi-national study is to assess and improve how people and goods move across the Maseru and Ficksburg border posts.
The TRS is a diagnostic tool developed by the WCO to measure the time it takes for cargo and travellers to be processed at border points. It would help identify delays and inefficiencies in the system. For this specific project, the study will look at the full journey from the time a person or goods arrive at one side of the border to when they are released on the other.
By doing so, officials aim to streamline operations and make border processes smoother and quicker for everyone. The launch was officially conducted by ‘Malineo Seboholi, Chairperson of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, alongside Dr Nkhuliseni Luvhengo from South Africa’s Border Management Authority.
In her address, Seboholi described the launch as a vital moment for trade between the two countries. “This initiative is a major milestone in our efforts to reduce trade barriers and improve the speed and quality of our border operations; we believe this study will help create practical solutions to the delays and challenges that many traders face at our border posts,” she stated. Dr Luvhengo also stressed the importance of collaboration between Lesotho and South Africa. He noted that improving border efficiency will benefit both countries by increasing trade, reducing costs and encouraging economic growth.
Other key speakers at the event included Rakokoana Makoa, Commissioner of Client Services and Head of Customs at RSL.
He explained that the study will help customs officers and other border officials to better understand where delays occur and how to address them.
“Time is money in the world of trade, by collecting real-time data and using it to improve our processes, we can serve the business community more effectively and support the country’s economic development,” Rakokoana explained.
Tšireletso Mojela, Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, echoed these sentiments as she highlighted the government’s commitment to making trade easier and faster for local businesses, especially small traders who are most affected by border delays.
The Director of Customs at SARS, Beyers Theron, added that this study forms part of a broader effort to modernize customs operations and create a seamless trade environment between South Africa and its neighbours.
“This project represents our shared vision for efficient, transparent, and predictable border processes, we are proud to be working hand in hand with Lesotho to achieve these goals,” Theron said.
Representing the World Customs Organization, Arman Zhalitov, who leads the Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme, said that the TRS is a valuable tool for reform as border delays hurt businesses and limit opportunities.
He further added that this study gives them the data and insight they need to build better systems that promote trade and development.
The event also included valuable contributions from private sector representatives in both Lesotho and South Africa.
Business owners and trade associations shared their experiences and challenges with current border operations.
Many welcomed the study, saying that long waiting times, inconsistent processes, and lack of coordination between border agencies are major concerns that need urgent attention.
The End-to-End Time Release Study will be carried out over the coming months, and its findings will help both countries to develop action plans for improving trade facilitation.
Officials hope the results will lead to more predictable and reliable border procedures, reduced costs for traders, and better service delivery at the Maseru and Ficksburg posts.
As the study gets underway, Lesotho and South Africa are sending a strong message of cooperation and commitment to efficient and inclusive trade.
The ultimate aim is to create a faster, safer, and more effective border environment that benefits all users being businesses, travellers, and border agencies alike.
