South Africa is increasing its border security through enhanced infrastructure, technology, and surveillance, alongside coordinated law enforcement operations. This initiative is being implemented as part of the government's Five-Point Plan on Migration Management. The full strategy aims to strengthen control over the country's national borders. The government is stepping up efforts to secure South Africa’s borders through improved infrastructure, technology, surveillance, and coordinated law enforcement operations, as part of the implementation of this Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.
Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades
Cabinet has approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Plan (2026–2030), a strategic initiative set for implementation across all seven of South Africa's border provinces. This plan shows a significant investment in physical infrastructure along the country's extensive borders. Complementing these infrastructure upgrades, new technological systems have been introduced to streamline and secure border crossings.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the Electronic Traveller Authorisation and the upgraded Enhanced Movement Control System at OR Tambo International Airport on August 12, 2026. These systems aim to enhance efficiency and security for international travelers entering and exiting the country. Further advancing digital integration, the Customs Online Traveller Declaration system commenced operations on July 1, 2026, providing a digital platform for travelers to declare goods. This system began operating on July 1, 2026, marking a significant step in digitalizing border processes. In addition to these digital initiatives, the government is expanding its aerial surveillance capabilities. Procurement for nine additional drones is currently underway, set to bolster monitoring efforts along critical border areas. The Border Management Authority is currently operating five drones at critical border points, and the procurement of nine additional drones is underway to expand this capability. Approximately 40 body-worn cameras are also being deployed at critical ports of entry to enhance accountability and surveillance.
Enforcement and Interceptions
Between April and July 2026, South African authorities intercepted more than 4,200 undocumented foreign nationals who attempted to enter the country outside formal ports of entry. The majority of these interceptions occurred along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, with significant numbers also recorded in areas adjacent to Lesotho and Mozambique. More than 4,200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted attempting to enter South Africa outside formal ports of entry during this period. Most of these undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by areas bordering Lesotho and Mozambique, noting key areas of concern for border security.
In July alone, 81 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted to bolster these efforts. These operations are part of a broader strategy to enhance physical enforcement at the borders. From June 14 to August 20, 2026, a total of 86,596 foreign nationals were processed for deportation and repatriation. Among those repatriated, Malawians represented the largest group, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals. Authorities classified 95% of these repatriated foreigners as individuals who had crossed the border illegally, often referred to as border jumpers. 90% of repatriated foreigners were confirmed to have entered the country illegally. Almost 90,000 people have been repatriated as part of these intensified efforts.
Border Management Context
South Africa possesses an extensive land borderline spanning approximately 4471km, shared with six neighbouring countries. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi stated that this extensive border, traversing varied and challenging terrain, has seen its security infrastructure deteriorate significantly over time. Kubayi added that large sections of fencing are damaged or absent, and critical access roads are in poor condition, negatively affecting border safeguarding operations. The government will continue working with neighbouring countries and regional structures to strengthen border security and address undocumented migration. Repatriation operations at the Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina concluded on August 21, 2026, leading to its decommissioning. This centre, with a capacity for 20,000 people, processed more than 4,000 repatriations at its peak, contributing to the nearly 90,000 people repatriated overall. The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina has been shut down and decommissioned, with repatriation operations at the Musina centre concluding on August 21, 2026. At its peak, the Musina centre, which had a capacity for 20,000 people, processed more than 4,000 repatriations, playing a key role in the overall repatriation efforts.
Ministerial Commitment
The Department of Home Affairs has intensified efforts to modernise border management through the Electronic Traveller Authorisation and the upgraded Enhanced Movement Control System. Scanners are operational at all major land ports, airports, and seaports, ensuring full coverage for incoming and outgoing traffic. The Border Management Authority currently operates five drones at critical border points, enhancing surveillance capabilities and providing real-time intelligence. Additionally, approximately 40 body-worn cameras are being deployed at critical ports of entry, further bolstering monitoring and accountability among border officials. Authorities have reported that 90% of repatriated foreigners had entered the country illegally, showing the scale of undocumented migration challenges.
