Lavumisa Border Post: Gateway to Eswatini

• HelloYebo
  [yeh-boh]
• GoodbyeSala kahle
  [sah-lah kah-hleh]
• YesYebo
  [yeh-boh]
• NoCha
  [chah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ng-yah-seh-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ng-yah-bohn-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [ooh-shoh-loh]
• How are you?Kunjani?
  [koon-jah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ng-yah-pee-lah. way-nah]
• Do you speak English?Uyasikhuluma IsiNgisi?
  [oo-yah-see-khoo-loo-mah ee-see-ng-gee-see]
• I don't understandAngazi
  [ah-ngah-zee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgicela ukubona imenyu, ngiyabonga
  [ngi-seh-lah oo-koo-boh-nah ee-mehn-yoo, ng-yah-bohn-gah]
• I don't eat meatAngikwazi ukudla inyama
  [ah-ngih-kwah-zee oo-koo-dlah ee-nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Ofee!
  [oh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgicela ukulipha, ngiyabonga
  [ngi-seh-lah oo-koo-lee-pah, ng-yah-bohn-gah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [oo-see-zoh]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [hahm-bah]
• Call the Police!Biza amaphoyisa!
  [bee-zah ah-mah-poy-ee-sah]
• Call a doctor!Biza umuthi!
  [bee-zah oo-moo-tee]
• I'm lostNgikhohlwe
  [ng-ee-koh-khluh-weh]
• I'm illNgisikho
  [ng-ee-see-khoh]

• I'd like to buy...Ngicela ukuthenga...
  [ngi-seh-lah oo-koo-teh-ngah]
• I'm just lookingNgicela ukubukeka kuphela
  [ngi-seh-lah oo-koo-boo-keh-kah koo-peh-lah]
• How much is it?Kuyini lokhu?
  [koo-yee-nee loh-koo]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kungakwazi
  [loh-koo koo-ngah-kwah-zee]
• Can you lower the price?Ungakwazi ukushintsha isilinganiso?
  [oo-ngah-kwah-zee oo-koo-shint-shah ee-see-lee-ngah-nee-soh]

• What time is it?Yini lesikhathi?
  [yee-nee leh-see-khah-tee]
• It's one o'clockKuyinto kweyomusha
  [koo-yee-n-toh kweh-yoh-moo-shah]
• Half past (10)Nesishagalombili
  [neh-see-shah-gah-lohm-bee-lee]
• MorningEkuseni
  [eh-koo-seh-nee]
• AfternoonEmini
  [eh-mee-nee]
• EveningSisontfo
  [see-sohn-tfoh]
• YesterdayNtfole
  [n-tfoh-leh]
• TodayNamuhla
  [nah-moo-hlah]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-sah-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-nyeh]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-bee-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-tah-tchoo]
• 4Kune
  [koo-neh]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-hlah-noo]
• 6Kukhona
  [koo-khoh-nah]
• 7Kukhombisa
  [koo-khohm-bee-sah]
• 8Kukhwaluka
  [koo-khwah-loo-kah]
• 9Kukhuluma
  [koo-khoo-loo-mah]
• 10Kulishumi
  [koo-lee-shoo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Kodwa kuphi...?
  [koh-dwah koo-pee]
• What's the address?Kwenzenjani indawo?
  [kwehn-zehn-jah-nee een-dah-woh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungangishoyo? (Emephu)
  [oo-ngah-ng-ee-show-yoh? (eh-meh-poo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuzoba nini isontfo esilandzelwa?
  [koo-zoh-bah nee-nee ee-sohn-tfoh eh-see-lah-nd-zehl-wah]
• A ticket (to ....)Itikithi (kulenye...)
  [ee-tee-kee-tee (koo-leh-nyeh)]

Lavumisa Border Post was established in the early 20th century as a key entry and exit point between Eswatini and South Africa. Its strategic location made it an important hub for trade and travel, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the border. The post has evolved over the years to accommodate increasing traffic and modernize its facilities.

During the colonial period, the British administration invested in the development of infrastructure at Lavumisa Border Post to support economic activities. Roads and rail links were constructed to enhance connectivity, turning the border post into a bustling gateway. This period also saw the establishment of customs and immigration services to regulate cross-border movement.

Lavumisa Border Post played a crucial role during the apartheid era in South Africa. As neighboring countries imposed sanctions and restricted trade with South Africa, Lavumisa became a critical point for the movement of goods and people who sought to bypass these restrictions. The border post was heavily monitored, and its operations were influenced by the political tensions of the time.

Following Eswatini's independence in 1968, Lavumisa Border Post continued to grow in importance. The government of Eswatini invested in upgrading the border facilities to handle increased traffic and improve security. Lavumisa remained a vital link for trade and travel between Eswatini and South Africa, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Lavumisa Border Post has been a focal point for cultural exchange between Eswatini and South Africa. The movement of people across the border has facilitated the sharing of traditions, languages, and customs. Economically, the border post supports local businesses by providing access to broader markets and fostering cross-border trade. It remains a vibrant area, reflecting the close ties between the two nations.

Lavumisa Border Post is located in the southeastern part of Eswatini, near the border with South Africa. The nearest major city is Durban, approximately 410 kilometers away. From Durban, you can drive to Lavumisa via the N2 highway, crossing into Eswatini at the Golela border post. Another option is to fly into King Mswati III International Airport, which is about 180 kilometers from the border, and then take a rental car or taxi to Lavumisa.

Transportation options in Lavumisa are limited. Local taxis and minibuses (kombi) are available for short distances and are relatively inexpensive. For more convenience and flexibility, renting a car is recommended, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Be sure to have an international driving permit if you intend to drive.

The official currency in Eswatini is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), though South African Rand (ZAR) is also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Lavumisa, but ensure you have enough cash before venturing into more remote areas.

Lavumisa is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Lavumisa itself does not have high-crime rates targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Nhlangano, about 50 kilometers away. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local police and emergency services are available in Lavumisa. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or traditional ceremonies, dress conservatively and be respectful. Public Transport: Do be polite and courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Lavumisa like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Swazi crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a traditional Swazi dance or ceremony if one is taking place during your visit. For a unique experience, explore the surrounding nature reserves and enjoy the local wildlife.