Home affairs to keep ports and borders safe this festive season

The Minister of Home Affairs, Ayanda Dlodlo, says government departments and agencies with a border control mandate will be taking a joint approach to ensure the country’s boarders and ports are safe this festive season.

In a statement released by Dlodlo,  it says traveller numbers are cyclically influenced by reasons for travelling, with increases over the festive season, Easter and school holidays.

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“This is for smooth facilitation and enhanced management of movement of people and goods in and out of South Africa during this peak period.

“During the 2015/16 festive period, a total of 5 303 555 movements was captured, comprising arrivals and departures of citizens and foreigners.

Of these movements, 3 814 402 were foreigners. In the 2016/17 festive period, the number rose to 5 504 022 – which is an increase of 200 467 or 3.78 per cent.

“For 2016/17, movements for foreigners recorded reached 3 944 788,” she says.

Dlodlo says the border environment is made vulnerable by civilians and officials who facilitate illegal and unauthorised movement, especially during peak periods.

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“This happens where border officials are corrupt, accepting bribes, or where border systems and business processes are manipulated.

“Some of the threats and risks we have identified during the peak periods include the fraudulent RSA travel documents which are used by illegal migrants, such as passports and visas,

“There are fraudulent affidavits which are used by travellers of foreign origin to cross the border with South African registered vehicles,

“We also identified the fraudulent or illegal stamping of travel documents, usually from those who have overstayed, are in possession of fraudulent documents or are fugitives from justice,

“Some of the undocumented travellers taking chances and entering the country illegally or with expired visas,

“There are also border challenges, especially where the fence has been cut and therefore allowing for illegal migration and smuggling activities,” she says.

Dlodlo says theDepartment of Home Affairs will inspect travel documents, log and refer asylum-seekers to reception centres, facilitate deportations and prevent human trafficking.

“The SAPS will focus on patrols, inspection of vehicles, searches and seizures, profiling, access control at land ports, crowd management, response to crime hits and investigations.

“SARS will respond to inspection requests in its area, quarantine or confiscate goods as necessary, handover impounded goods and confirm if goods have been correctly declared.

“The Department of Transport will focus on inspections of cross-border permits, traffic control and adherence to transport regulations.

“While the Department of Health will handle surveillance or screening measures for communicable diseases,” she says.