Nelspruit - Former president Nelson Mandela strengthened ties between South Africa and Mozambique, the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI) said on Friday.
“It is difficult to talk about Nelson Mandela without sounding clichéd, because so much has been said about this wonderful man that in some ways we have run out words,” said MCLI CEO Barbara Mommen.
“His legacy extends beyond reconciliation on a global level to tactical developments on our corridor, and he was instrumental in establishing the Maputo Development Corridor in 1996.”
This was done through rehabilitating the infrastructure and re-establishing the historical trade ties between South Africa and Mozambique.
Mommen said Madiba was also a visionary.
“His vision, his contribution to reconciliation and the blow he dealt to racism not only in South Africa, but in the world, is a legacy that will never be forgotten,” she said.
The 20th and 21st centuries were privileged to have a leader of Mandela's calibre.
The Lebombo border post would operate 24-hours-a-day until January 16 to ensure all travellers reached their destination, she said. - Sapa