Pretoria – South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced the interception of 410,000 individuals attempting illegal entry into the country since July 2022, the majority of whom were Zimbabwean nationals.
This significant figure was revealed by BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato during a press briefing on Monday, outlining the authority’s preparations for the upcoming festive season.
The commissioner detailed the measures taken against those apprehended: “The majority of those were arrested, fingerprinted, declared undesirable for a period of five years, and deported.” This robust approach reflects a strengthened commitment to border security and highlights the scale of illegal crossings.
Beyond the apprehension of individuals, the BMA has also demonstrated success in combating other forms of cross-border crime.
Masiapato stated, “Further, we have been able to detect about 312 high-value vehicles which were meant to illegally exit the country to other jurisdictions in the continent. In this regard, the matters were handed over to SAPS detectives for further investigations.”
This highlights the BMA’s broadened focus, targeting not only illegal immigration but also the illicit movement of goods and assets.
Looking ahead, the BMA is embracing technological advancements to enhance border security. Masiapato announced a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, stating, “Whilst awaiting the delivery of our drones, in this festive season we have forged a partnership with the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development which will be deploying their drones to assist us with an enhanced level of border security and domain awareness at problematic vulnerable segments, the ports and the corridors. Drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units which would be situated at, or closer to, the ports of entry to allow for quick reaction and apprehension of illegal migrants and other cross-border criminals.”
This strategic collaboration leverages existing resources to bolster surveillance capabilities, particularly in high-risk areas.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber will personally assess these new drone capabilities next week during a visit to the Lebombo port of entry. This underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the BMA’s efforts and ensuring the effective implementation of advanced technologies.
Commissioner Masiapato also issued a reminder to travellers regarding essential documentation, emphasising compliance with international protocols: “As required by international protocols, all travellers should be in possession of a valid machine-readable passport and a valid visa where applicable. Furthermore, travellers are reminded that their passports should have at least one empty page in order to enable the BMA immigration team members to accordingly stamp the passports as required. This message is also relevant during the return leg in January 2025 as all travellers are expected to present themselves at the designated ports of entry to enter South Africa. As for those wishing to cross the border using financed vehicles, they should be in possession of a letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle.”
This clear guidance aims to streamline the border crossing process and prevent delays for those with proper documentation.
Parents travelling with minor children were also given specific instructions: “Parents wishing to travel with minor children should have the child’s unabridged birth certificate with them, unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parents’ passport. In cases where one parent is traveling with a child in the absence of another parent, a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission to the other parent to exit the country with the child will be required. This requirement is mainly applicable to South Africans intending to exit the country with children.”
These measures are designed to protect children and prevent potential exploitation or abduction.
In anticipation of increased travel during the festive season, the BMA urged travellers to plan their journeys in advance and exercise patience: “Considering the expected high volumes in this festive period, we would like to appeal to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports.”
This proactive communication aims to mitigate potential congestion and ensure a smoother experience for travellers.
Finally, Masiapato assured the public of continued vigilance during the return period in January 2025: “Masiapato said during the return leg in January 2025, border guards and soldiers will be on standby to prevent any illegal entry into the country.”
This commitment to maintaining heightened security underscores the BMA’s dedication to safeguarding South Africa’s borders.
