BMA expects 6 million border crossings during festive season

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato briefed the media on Monday on its festive season readiness and border management plans at the country's 71 ports of entry.

Masiapato highlighted plans to combat cross-border crime and illegal immigration while warning about potential gender-based violence at borders. The authority, partnering with Social Development, aims to support vulnerable women and children. 

"The Border Management Authority is committed to ensuring that our ports of entry are not exploited for any form of violence or criminal activities, including human trafficking or smuggling that targets any of the vulnerable groups, particularly women and children,” he said.

"To strengthen our efforts, we have reinforced our partnership with the Department of Social Development to which we refer matters that involve minors and or any vulnerable groups identified during our operations conducted in any of the 71 ports of entry or border law enforcement areas."

-Travelling of minors-

Masiapato cautioned that consent from both parents is needed for children to be able to cross borders.

"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 a financed vehicle, they should be in possession of the letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle.

"As for parents wishing to travel with minor children, they are reminded to carry the child’s Unabridged Birth Certificate unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parent’s passport. In cases where one parent is travelling 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."

However, the requirement mainly applies to South Africans intending to exit the country with children.

-Lebombo Boarder protest-

The commissioner said the Mozambican protest hasn't affected the country's infrastructure or human resources at the Lebombo port of entry.

Last month, the border was shut down following violent post-election protests in the neighbouring country.

Over the past week, into the weekend, the border saw an escalation of demonstrations which continued to disrupt port operations.

Masiapato said the deployment of the Mozambican security forces on the ground has mitigated the risks.

"The deployment of the Mozambican security forces on the ground has maintained a steady posture with preventative measures being employed to mitigate the risks. With the festive season fast approaching, we will continue to be guided by our Mozambican counterparts on daily operational activities affecting their side.

"As of this morning, the current status at Lebombo is stable, and we are processing both travellers and cargo as required. However, we continue to monitor the situation on the Mozambican side and should there be interruptions, we will reassess our operations within the ports."

-Smuggling of pesticides-

The BMA has also issued an operational instruction to all ports of entry to intensify efforts to detect and intercept any attempt to import organophosphate pesticides illegally.

The instruction was sent out for the detection of Aldicarb, which is a banned substance in the country, as well as Terbufos.

The two pesticides pose significant risks to human life.

In October, six children in Soweto lost their lives due to Terbufos.

Masiapato said the handling protocols have been given to biosecurity experts for implementation across all ports of entry.

"The instructions include increased vigilance and guidelines for recognising the substances’ common physical characteristics, packaging methods, and potential smuggling concealment tactics. As such, the handling protocols have been given to our biosecurity experts for implementation across all ports of entry."

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