BMA expects over six million people to cross SA borders this festive

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it expects to process over six million people this festive season, a recovery to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

On Monday, the BMA unveiled its festive season plan, spanning from December 2024 to January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities.

BMA OUTLINES PLANS FOR FESTIVE SEASON

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said South Africa faces complex border-related challenges, including illegal immigration, cross-border crimes, and smuggling of illicit goods.

Therefore, critical interventions during this festive season include extending operating hours at major ports of entry, deploying 69 additional personnel, and collaborating with Interpol and local law enforcement authorities. 

Masiapato said their focus will be on delivering 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.

“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,” Masiapato told the media.

WHICH POINTS OF ENTRY ARE THE BUSIEST?

The BMA facilitates the legitimate movement of people and goods through 71 ports of entry, including 52 land ports, ten international airports, and nine seaports.

The top 10 ports of entry that facilitate the most people include key international airports and land ports in 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,
• Kopfontein and Groblers’ Bridge land port to Botswana. 

Masiapato also sent 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, will be waiting for them during the return leg in January 2025,” he added.

WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING BEYOND SOUTH AFRICAN BORDERS THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

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