The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (Zimcomm SA) has appealed to the Zimbabwean and South African governments to allow cross-border transporters commonly known as ‘Omalayitsha’ to access the borders to move groceries and goods from migrant workers.

The organisation said the cross-border transporters play a key role in sustaining economies of both countries at community and national level and that such a move would help enhance the food and nutrition value chain.

In a statement today, Zimcomm SA spokesperson Mr Bongani Mazwi Mkwananzi said most families in Zimbabwe relied on migrant workers in the neighbouring country for their general upkeep.

“South Africa is home to thousands of Zimbabwean migrant workers most of whom are supporting their families by sending groceries home on a weekly basis through the services of Omalayitsha,” he said.