Government to beef up SA border security over festive season

The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours, beef up security and deploy additional staff to South Africa’s borders this festive season.

“Operational hours will be extended for busy ports of entry, covering pre-festive season movements, the festive season period and the reopening of schools from 6 December to 16 January 2018,” said Spokesperson Thabo Mokgola.

A Home Affairs statement observed that with the support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) this would ensure the smooth movement of people and goods as well as avoid congestion at the borders.

He noted that the borders were made vulnerable by civilians and officials facilitating illegal and unauthorised movement – exacerbated during peak periods such as the holidays – which made it necessary for the department to plan for and mitigate these risks.

“Learning from past experience, sound planning is critical as we are likely to experience an increase in traveller movements, which exerts additional strain on available resources at ports of entry while posing security risks for South Africa and countries with which it shares borders,” said Mokgola.

While Home Affairs will be inspecting travel documents, SAPS will focus on patrols, inspection of vehicles, searches and seizures, as well as access control at land ports.

Additionally, the South African Revenue Service will respond to inspection requests, confiscate or quarantine goods as necessary and confirm if goods have been properly declared. The Department of Health will handle surveillance for communicable diseases and ensure compliance with travel health services.