SA’s border processes streamlined after talks with neighbours

Masiapato said the plan consists of four phases.

During the planning phase extensive interjurisdictional discussions were conducted with neighbouring countries Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana to streamline border processes and co-ordinate work modalities for the period., he said.

“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 said home affairs minister Leon Schreiber had approved a request to extend operating hours at some ports. Sixty-nine additional personnel would be deployed to the busiest ports of entry to assist with service delivery and provide technical support to regular staff.

Masiapato said the deployment of 400 junior border guards starting in June 2024, along with the previously deployed 200 border guards, had enhanced the Border Management Authority’s operational capacity by providing additional resources on the ground, strengthening security through more efficient access control at the ports.

Members of the coastal guards had been deployed to critical areas at selected harbours for the implementation of border law enforcement functions. 

“The Border Management Authority will also be collaborating with the Western Cape provincial government and the 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.

“On account of our memorandum of understanding with Interpol, in this festive period the respective port management committees will collaborate with Interpol and the police in joint operations to combat cross-border crimes.”

Masiapato said the department of public works and infrastructure had been asked to provide support by supplying additional infrastructure, including temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, and JoJo tanks for additional water supply at ports and corridors.

Extra ICT technicians would be deployed to prioritised ports to provide direct support for the movement control system. Remote support would be offered by SA Revenue Service technicians, along with a team from the department of home affairs.      

During the execution phase, Masiapato said the focus would 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 SA. 

“To achieve this, ports of entry and vulnerable segments of the borderline will be adequately guarded to intercept any transgressors. With Operation Vala Mgodi unfolding, border guards remain vigilant and prepared to intercept deported illegal miners and deter them from attempting to illegally re-enter SA. In this period we have also intensified measures to detect and seize illicit goods such as narcotics and stolen vehicles,” he said.

Masiapato said considering the challenges of food contamination, the Border Management Authority had 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 SA, and terbufos, which is another harmful substance posing risks to human life. 

He said the instructions included increased vigilance and guidelines for recognising the substances’ common physical characteristics, packaging methods and potential smuggling concealment tactics. 

Masiapato said on the corridors leading to land ports of entry, the management of traffic flow would be done in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency and traffic authorities in the relevant provinces. 

“Historically, traffic congestion has been a common problem during the period, particularly on the N1 corridor towards the Beitbridge border post to Zimbabwe and also on the N4 corridor towards Lebombo border post to Mozambique.

“As a result, specific traffic management contingencies will be implemented for Beitbridge and Lebombo in particular. This includes the implementation of targeted process flows through the segregation of passenger vehicles, taxis, buses and cargo conveyancers with clear signage, barricades and marshalling activities.”

TimesLIVE