Cape Town: The Border Management Authority (BMA) unveiled its festive season plan, spanning from December 2024 to January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities. South Africa faces complex border-related challenges, including illegal immigration, cross-border crimes, and smuggling of illicit goods. Key interventions by the BMA this festive season include extending operating hours at major ports of entry over the festive season, deploying 69 additional personnel, and collaborating with Interpol and local law enforcement authorities.

According to South African Government News Agency, BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato stated that the agency anticipates facilitating over six million people, a recovery to pre-COVID-19 pandemic 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. To achieve this, Masiapato announced that po
rts of entry and the vulnerable segments of the borderline will be adequately guarded to intercept any transgressor.

In addition, he stated that the agency has intensified measures to detect and seize illicit goods, such as narcotics and stolen vehicles. As Operation Vala Umgodi proceeds to combat illegal mining activities, Masiapato stated that border guards remain vigilant and prepared to intercept illegal miners who have been deported and prevent them from attempting to illegally re-enter 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 the persistent issues of food contamination and following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directives to combat the problem, the BMA has issued operational instructions to all ports of entry. This directive aims to intensify efforts to detect and intercept any illegal attempts to imp
ort organophosphate pesticides, specifically aldicarb, which is banned in South Africa, and terbufos, which has been linked to the deaths of six children in Naledi, 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 ports of entry facilitating the most people include key international airports and land ports to neighbouring countries. These include the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, Beitbridge land port to Zimbabwe, Lebombo land port to Mozambique, Caledonspoort, Ficksburg and Maseru Bridge land ports to Lesotho, Cape Town International Airport in the Western Cape, Oshoek land port to Eswatini, as well as Kopfontein, and Groblers’ Bridge land port to 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 waiting for the arrival of drones, the Commissioner announced a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

This collaboration will involve the deployment of drones to improve border security and enhance situational awareness, particularly in vulnerable areas such as ports and corridors. Masiapato said the drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units to allow for quick reaction and apprehension of illegal immigrants and other cross-border criminals. Shifting his focus to Mpox, he noted that South Africa’s risk classification is currently moderate. However, Masiapato warn
ed travellers to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, such as skin lesions or muscle aches. “Currently, there is no Mpox vaccine in South Africa, therefore, travellers are encouraged to remain vigilant against Mpox disease.”