As South Africa approaches the busy festive season, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has significantly ramped up its border security measures to manage the anticipated surge in cross-border travel. The BMA has prepared an operational plan to handle the expected increase in traffic at South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, including land, air, and sea routes. This heightened security is crucial to ensuring smooth and efficient travel for holidaymakers and migrants alike, as well as securing the borders against illegal immigration【44】【45】.

Over the past few years, the movement of people through South Africa’s ports of entry has seen a marked rise, with over 5 million travelers processed in the 2023/24 festive period alone, an increase from previous years. The busiest ports included OR Tambo International Airport, the Lebombo land port to Mozambique, and the Beitbridge port to Zimbabwe【46】.

To ensure the safety and efficiency of border crossings, the BMA has increased staff and extended operating hours at several key entry points. They have also implemented advanced systems to detect illegal immigration attempts. During the 2023/24 festive season, the BMA intercepted nearly 16,000 individuals attempting to enter South Africa without proper documentation, resulting in the deportation of over 27,000 people【46】.

Additionally, the BMA has enforced stricter regulations for transport companies, particularly those operating buses. Companies are now required to ensure passengers carry valid travel documents, and fines have been levied for violations. These measures are designed to curb the movement of illegal migrants and ensure that only legitimate travelers are processed at the borders【45】.

This effort by the BMA is part of a broader strategy to handle the busy festive travel season and ensure that both goods and people move through South Africa’s borders in an orderly and legal manner.