Transport as a servant of trade and its cross-border challenges : a case of Swaziland and the newly introduced immigration laws by the South African government

Abstract

The movement of goods and services as well as people is usually through road and rail transportation, especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Swaziland is a landlocked country with its economy heavily dependent on trade with other regions and countries. The fact that Swaziland is a landlocked country means that its trade relations are not only dependent on transport but also on cross-border regulations with the countries it shares its borders with. Regional integration also plays a key role in the countries trade associations. The republic of South Africa happens to be Swaziland?s major trading partner. New immigration laws have been introduced by the Republic of South Africa and they came into effect early 2014. This paper uses Swaziland as a case study to reflect on the issues of new immigration laws, the effect they will have on regional integration which could be achieved through transportation, contribution to already existing cross-border challenges and most importantly, their impact on trade issues, which in this case is the movement of goods and services across borders, as well as the coming in and out of people. Transportation refers to all modes used for the movement of goods, services and people, this includes non-motorised transport, but particular attention will be paid to road transportation. Laws tend to be a hindrance to the flow of goods and service therefore slowing down the economy, however regulation is needed. Their implementation thereof, should be in a manner that will not worsen trade and the transportation system of one country.