Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

24 March 2026

2-minute read

In preparation for the upcoming Easter period, the Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr Michael and Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Scheriber conducted an oversight visit at the port and border on Monday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Marketing at BMA Meme Mogotsi says that the purpose of the monitoring visit was to showcase to the Minister of Home Affairs the security arrangements that are in place. These include the number of staff members on the ground, the equipment employed, and the technology to be intensified during operations.

Strict measures have been put in place to improve traffic flow and reduce waiting time. Meme says that additional officers will be employed at the counters to reduce processing time, with visitors entering the country being advised to have all their passports and necessary documentation in order. She also warned that visitors carrying large sums of money will have to declare it for tax purposes before being allowed to pass through.

A press conference will be held on March 29th to indicate the BMA’s state of readiness “highlighting every single thing,” like operating hours and changes at the border, states Meme.

Intensification of technology will strengthen border security operations during this period. Illegal persons trying to smuggle themselves or others, and those carrying illegal items like guns and explosives will be severely dealt with. “Travellers must not try and break the law,” she warns, as they will certainly be intercepted and arrested. Even drivers facilitating immigration of illegals will be arrested.

The BMA is working closely with other departments like SAPS, SANS and others to ensure a smooth operation at all border posts, and to make each department accountable for the mandate they have been given. In the coming days, they plan to brief all the officials in terms of what to expect.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Meme Mogotsi here.