The Boarder Management Authority (BMA) has provided a report on high traveller movement volumes across various ports of entry during the peak return phase of the festive season.
The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, has provided a report on high traveller movement.
Masiapato is currently overseeing operations at the Beitbridge Port of Entry and has ensured that additional resources and operational support have been deployed across other ports of entry nationwide.
He said this is done to manage the increased volumes, multiple processing and interception points have been established at all major ports.
Beitbridge continues to lead with high number volumes in land borders with over 22483 processed on 03 January alone.
At Beitbridge, elevated volumes have been largely driven by the simultaneous arrival of buses from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia mainly and the processing were managed through established border control protocols.
In response to long queues and extreme heat conditions, the BMA has prioritised small children, the elderly and vulnerable travellers.
He said that any traveller presenting signs of illness is assessed by the BMA Port Health officials to prevent the importation of infectious and communicable diseases.
In just two days, 1 and 2 January 2026, the BMA intercepted more than 546 travellers at various ports of entry across the country, the majority of whom were undocumented.
Masiapato said these interceptions affirm that border management systems, deployments, and enforcement mechanisms remain active, responsive, and effective.
He said all undocumented persons intercepted were processed in line with South Africa’s immigration laws, with immediate deportation processes initiated.
In addition to immigration enforcement, the BMA has intensified agricultural, food safety, and biosecurity controls.
“While the Authority operates under limited resources, BMA officers remain fully deployed, vigilant, and committed to defending the Republic’s borders. Daily interceptions, refusals of entry, confiscations, and enforcement actions confirm that illegal entry and prohibited movements are being detected and decisively addressed,” he said.