Following complaints that local traders were being abused by customs officers when entering or exiting the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) region, the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust last week drilled members of the Cross Border Traders Association (CBTA) on trade protocols.

 Nice Trust District Civic Education Officer for Blantyre rural, Ruth Wengawenga outlined that the training was aimed at providing the traders with adequate information on business rights and protocols to enhance trade.

On the other hand, the Secretary of the CBTA, Maggie Mhango, hailed Nice for the initiative as it has addressed their problems and has provided solutions. “We are faced with high costs of new passports and renewal fees also we are requested to have R3000 when travelling to South Africa as a cash bond, to be allowed entry, which jeopardises our security,” Mhango said.