The South African government, through the Border Management Authority, is tightening border security in anticipation of increased movement at entry and exit points as travel increases during the upcoming festive season.

According to a Letter from Mozambique The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs have begun preparations for increased traffic at South Africa's 71 entry and exit points, at a time when workers and foreigners living and working in the country are embarking on their annual trips for the festive season.

The operational plan for the 2024/2025 festive season was presented this Tuesday to the parliamentary internal affairs committee.

"The festive season operation starts on December 10 and runs until January 15 and aims to ensure that only legitimate people and goods are allowed to enter and leave South Africa," said the South African authorities.

However, to support border operations, additional resources will be mobilized. This includes personnel on the ground and other posts that have historically had more traffic (OR Tambo International Airport, Beit Bridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg Maseru Bridge and Cape Town International Airport), in border guards, surveillance technologies and increased patrols by the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).

Among the risks that the BMA has highlighted for this festive period are congestion, deportation, the use of fraudulent documentation and inadequate detention facilities. Congestion usually occurs due to an outdated and inadequate infrastructure layout and inadequate corridor management.

(Photo DR)