The Border Management Authority (BMA) unveiled its festive season plan, spanning from December 2024 to January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities, Cape {town} Etc reports.
South Africa faces complex border-related challenges, including illegal immigration, cross-border crimes, and smuggling of illicit goods.
According to a media statement, key BMA actions this festive season include extended operating hours at major ports, deploying 69 extra staff, and collaborating with Interpol and local law enforcement.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato expects to facilitate over six million people, returning to pre-COVID-19 levels.
‘Our focus will be the delivery of integrated, effective and efficient processes at the ports of entry, where only legitimate people and goods will be allowed to enter and exit South Africa,’ he told the media on Monday.
Masiapato announced enhanced security at ports and vulnerable border areas to intercept transgressors.
The BMA is also ramping up efforts to seize illicit goods like narcotics and stolen vehicles.
Additionally, under Operation Vala Umgodi, border guards are focused on preventing deported illegal miners from re-entering South Africa.
‘We, therefore, want to warn all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality around the ports of entry and at the border law enforcement areas, as they will be detected, arrested, and then deported.’
In response to food contamination concerns and President Ramaphosa’s directives, the BMA has instructed all ports of entry to intensify efforts to intercept illegal imports of banned organophosphate pesticides, like aldicarb and terbufos, linked to recent deaths in Soweto.
‘As such, the handling protocols have been given to our biosecurity experts for implementation across all ports of entry,’ Masiapato said.
The BMA facilitates the legitimate movement of people and goods through 71 ports of entry, including 52 land ports, 10 international airports, and nine seaports.
The top 10 busiest ports include OR Tambo International Airport, Beitbridge (Zimbabwe), Lebombo (Mozambique), Caledonspoort, Ficksburg, and Maseru Bridge (Lesotho), Cape Town International Airport, Oshoek (Eswatini), and Kopfontein and Groblers’ Bridge (Botswana).
The Commissioner emphasised the need for a robust and integrated border management platform to protect national security, economic growth, and regional economic integration.
‘During the return leg in January 2025, we would like to send a stern warning to all individuals who might be planning to try to enter South Africa illegally: border guards, working together with members of the SANDF [South African National Defence Force], will be waiting for them.’
While awaiting drone arrivals, Commissioner Masiapato announced a partnership with the Department of Agriculture to deploy drones for improved border security and situational awareness in vulnerable areas.
The drone operations will be supported by mobile units for quick response to illegal activities.
Lastly, Masiapato stated that South Africa’s Mpox risk is moderate but warned travellers to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms like skin lesions or muscle aches.
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Picture: BMA / Facebook
