South Africa on high alert as government screens for Ebola at ports of entry
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is taking precautionary steps to prepare for a possible outbreak of the Ebola virus , warning that the country cannot afford to be caught off guard.
Speaking to SABC News on Monday evening, Motsoaledi said the current outbreak in Uganda — geographically close to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region — poses a potential risk, even beyond Africa.
“It is very close to SADC in Uganda, so theoretically there is a chance that any of the countries on the continent and even out of the continent might get Ebola.”
Motsoaledi stressed that government planning is based on scientific risk assessment rather than panic.
“We are working under that scientific assumption and that’s why we are getting ready in case it happens… rather than to be caught off guard.”
The minister emphasised that South Africa already has established health protocols to deal with infectious disease threats, drawing lessons from previous outbreaks such as the 2013–2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We do have the protocols… the question is whether there is any possibility that some few might come in. We are talking here about micro-organisms.”
He explained that port health systems remain the first line of defence, with screening measures in place at all major entry points into the country.
According to Motsoaledi, trained port health workers now operating under the Border Management Authority (BMA) are actively monitoring incoming travellers, particularly from high-risk regions.
“If a plane comes from the DRC or from a country closely related to the outbreak area, health authorities move to the aircraft before passengers disembark.”
Passengers are then assessed for symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding and body pains.
“If there is no indication of illness, passengers are allowed to proceed, but they are still screened using temperature-sensing equipment,” he said.
Motsoaledi noted that the system does not rely on invasive methods but uses advanced thermal scanning technology to detect possible symptoms.
He also dismissed suggestions that South Africa’s preparedness measures are linked to labour disruptions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), clarifying that the response is solely based on the nature of the disease.
“It has nothing to do with the strike of workers in the DRC. It has everything to do with the fact that there is Ebola and it is a contagious disease.”
GLOBAL RISK REMAINS
Motsoaledi warned that while the current outbreak is confined to parts of East Africa, the nature of infectious diseases means global spread is always a possibility.
“Ebola can go to any country on the continent — and even globally.”
He reiterated that South Africa’s approach is one of vigilance and readiness, ensuring systems are in place should any suspected cases emerge.
“We are getting ready regardless.”
