BMA’s Masiapato: Easter Border Operations a Major Success, Over 1 Million Movements Managed Smoothly
By Thabo Mosia
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported a major success during this year’s Easter period, with an impressive 8% increase in travel movements compared to the same period in 2024. Commissioner Michael Masiapato shared these results during a detailed media briefing held on Monday, 28 April 2025, stating that over 1,057,063 movements were recorded across all 71 ports of entry.
This surge reflects not only the growing demand for cross-border travel but also the operational excellence of the BMA. “We registered about 1,057,063 movements across all our 71 ports of entry. This is an increase of 8% compared to the 2024 Easter period,” said Masiapato, praising the hard work and dedication of the officials who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth travel and strong security.
A Meticulously Executed Plan
Between 15 and 24 April 2025, the BMA implemented its comprehensive Easter Operational Plan. Masiapato confirmed that all measures and contingency plans were successfully put in place to manage the high volumes across air, land, and sea entry points.
The plan was overseen by several key stakeholders, including the Border Technical Committee of Directors-General, the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee chaired by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs led by Mr Musa Chabane.
BMA officials managed immigration, port health, environmental, agricultural biosecurity, access control, and general law enforcement functions at all ports, demonstrating the agency’s growing maturity and capability.
Drones and Technology Deliver Real Results
A key highlight of this year’s operation was the deployment of surveillance drones, body-worn cameras, and push-to-talk devices. These technological tools transformed border management operations, enabling real-time detection and interception of illegal activities.
Compared to 2024, the number of illegal movements intercepted increased by a staggering 61%. “We have been able to intercept and apprehend a total of 6,253 persons who were attempting to either enter or exit South Africa illegally,” said Masiapato. Of these, around 4,795 were undocumented migrants.
The drones proved instrumental in not just detecting illegal crossings but also in identifying facilitators—the individuals helping undocumented travellers cross the borders illegally. This led to the arrest of 112 facilitators, many of whom were handed over to the South African Police Service for further processing under section 49(2) of the Immigration Act.
Efficient Flow of Legal Travel
Despite the high number of movements, the BMA successfully maintained operational stability at all ports. O.R. Tambo International Airport facilitated 220,339 movements, a 9% increase from 2024.
Land ports also recorded strong numbers:
- Lebombo Port of Entry: 161,457 travellers (14% increase)
- Ficksburg Port of Entry: 72,522 travellers (31% increase)
Interestingly, Beitbridge, one of South Africa’s busiest land border crossings, recorded a 16% decrease in movements compared to last year, with 122,228 travellers.
In contrast, Cape Town International Airport saw a 9% decrease in passenger volumes, processing 85,631 travellers compared to 93,012 the previous year.
These figures highlight shifting patterns in border movements and the BMA’s adaptability in responding to dynamic operational demands.
Comprehensive Law Enforcement Efforts
The BMA’s Easter operations extended beyond managing traveller movements. A total of:
- 64,500 light vehicles were searched,
- 14,410 freight vehicles underwent detailed inspections,
- 2,378 buses, 3,114 taxis, and 2,084 informal transport operators were assessed for compliance,
- 899 trucks were subjected to weighbridge inspections.
The aviation sector saw 1,446 flights cleared, while 192 vessels were processed through maritime ports, including 27 crew changes offshore.
Joint operations also made a major impact:
- 83 joint operations with law enforcement agencies,
- 59 roadblocks along key corridors,
- 1,141 vehicle patrols and 1,183 foot patrols conducted around ports.
Major Seizures and Crime Prevention
Significant progress was made in fighting cross-border crime during the 10-day period:
- Four vehicles and one motorcycle attempted to be smuggled out of South Africa were intercepted.
- 5,181 kg of cannabis, worth R129,550, was seized and handed over to customs.
- Eight passports with fraudulent stamps were confiscated.
- 879 items of counterfeit alcohol, three bales of banned clothing, and 50 pairs of counterfeit shoes were recovered.
- Numerous boxes of counterfeit cigarettes were intercepted, part of the BMA’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit trade, which has already resulted in the seizure of illicit cigarettes worth more than a billion rand since April 2022.
Enhanced Health and Biosecurity Measures
In response to regional health threats, BMA’s Port Health specialists stepped up inspections:
- 215,585 travellers were screened for infectious diseases,
- 836 flights were disinfected,
- 60 illegal skin lightening products were confiscated.
Given the outbreak of measles in neighbouring Zimbabwe, port health teams maintained heightened vigilance to prevent potential spread into South Africa.
The Agricultural and Environmental Biosecurity teams also made an impact by confiscating 3,043 kg of non-compliant agricultural products, including prohibited foods and medicinal plants, ensuring protection of South Africa’s food safety and agricultural economy.
Tackling Internal Corruption
Masiapato also addressed concerns about corruption within the border management system. Two immigration officials were arrested at Beitbridge for aiding undocumented individuals to cross into South Africa illegally.
The BMA’s collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) through the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum is starting to yield results. Ongoing awareness campaigns across ports of entry aim to further stamp out corruption and reinforce ethical conduct among all officials.
Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliance
During the Easter period, BMA officials imposed 38 penalties against non-compliant transport operators, mainly buses and airlines. The penalties, valued at R947,300, were issued to carriers found bringing passengers into South Africa without the required documentation.
Under South African immigration law, transporters face fines of up to R15,000 per undocumented traveller they bring into the country.
Preparing for the Future
Masiapato concluded by outlining future plans for the BMA, noting that preparations are already underway for the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled for November 2025 and the December-January festive season.
“We maintained the integrity of our borders, protected public health, and successfully enforced compliance measures,” he said. “The lessons learned, intelligence gathered, and partnerships strengthened during this Easter operation will feed directly into our long-term strategy.”
He stressed the importance of sustained investment in technology, including surveillance drones, sensors with artificial intelligence, and improved network coverage across remote ports.
BMA’s Growing Strength
The Commissioner emphasised that the BMA, now in its third year as an independent authority, is demonstrating its capacity to secure South Africa’s borders while facilitating legal travel and trade.
Masiapato commended all officials and partner agencies for their tireless efforts. “Every law enforcement official, port health worker, agriculture specialist, environmental inspector, and border guard played a crucial role,” he said.
Their collective commitment, he noted, was critical to the success of this year’s Easter operations and will be even more important as South Africa prepares to welcome an even higher volume of visitors during upcoming peak periods.
“We remain resolute in our mission to secure South Africa’s borders for development, protecting our sovereignty, our economy, and the safety of all people living in our beautiful country,” Masiapato concluded.
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