The Border Management Authority (BMA) will deploy additional staff and extend operating hours at some of the busiest ports of entry during the festive season.
The BMA will also partner with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on the deployment of drones to enhance border security.
Briefing the media on their festive season plan, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said they have developed a comprehensive plan that has been approved by the inter-ministerial committee, portfolio committee on home affairs and National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
“During the planning phase we conducted extensive inter-jurisdictional discussions with our immediate neighbouring countries Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, eSwatini and Botswana to streamline border processes and co-ordinate our work modalities during this period.
“As a result, we have agreed to adjust operating hours at some key ports which do not operate on a 24-hour basis,” he said.
Masiapato also said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has approved their request to extend operating hours at some of the ports of entry.
“In addition to extension of operating hours, we will be deploying about 69 additional personnel at selected ports of entry to assist with delivery of services and technical support to regular staff. The deployment of 400 junior border guards starting in June 2024, in addition to 200 guards, has improved BMA capacity by providing additional resources on the ground to strengthen security and streamline access control in ports of entry.
“The BMA has already deployed members of the coastal guards to the critical areas of selected harbours for implementation of border law enforcement functions.”
Masiapato said the BMA will collaborate with the Western Cape government and City of Cape Town to increase capacity at Cape Town International Airport.
“This capacity augmentation will be made up of 60 peace officers as an addition to the immigration functions at the airport.” He said port management committees will collaborate with Interpol and SAPS in joint operations to combat cross-border crimes.
“Additional ICT technicians will be deployed to prioritised ports to provide direct support for the movement control system. Additional remote support will be offered by South African Revenue Service technicians together with the team from the Department of Home Affairs.”
Masiapato said the focus will be the delivery of integrated, effective and efficient processes at ports of entry where only legitimate people and goods would be allowed to enter and exit South Africa.
“With Operation Vala Mgodi unfolding, the border guards remain vigilant and prepared to intercept deported illegal miners and deter them from attempting to re-enter the country illegally,” he said.
Masiapato also said the BMA has issued an operational instruction to all ports of entry to intensify efforts to detect and intercept any attempt to illegally import organophosphate pesticides, specifically Aldicarb, which is a banned substance in South Africa, and Terbufos.
“The instructions include increased vigilance and guidelines for recognising the substances’ common physical characteristics, packaging methods and potential smuggling concealment tactics.”
He urged all travellers leaving or entering South Africa to ensure that their travel documents were in order to avoid unnecessary delays at ports of entry. “While awaiting delivery of drones during this festive season, we forged partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, which will be deploying their drones to assist us with enhancing level of border security and domain awareness especially in problematic vulnerable segments,” Masiapato added.
“Drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units, which will be situated closer to allow reaction and apprehension of illegal migrants and other cross-border criminals.”
Cape Times