Government is intensifying efforts to secure South Africa’s borders through improved infrastructure, technology, surveillance and coordinated law enforcement operations under the Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said significant progress had been made in strengthening border management and improving coordination among agencies operating at ports of entry and vulnerable border areas.
Cabinet has approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Plan (2026–2030), which will be implemented across all seven border provinces.
The plan aims to improve border security, patrol mobility, response times, personnel safety, infrastructure maintenance and coordination between government departments, while deterring illegal cross-border activity.
More than 4 200 intercepted
Despite these efforts, government continues to face challenges along South Africa’s extensive borders.
More than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted while attempting to enter the country outside formal ports of entry between April and July 2026.
Most were intercepted along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by areas bordering Lesotho and Mozambique.
Almost 90 000 people have been repatriated, while 81 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted in July.
South Africa has a land borderline of approximately 4 471km shared with six neighbouring countries and covering varied and challenging terrain.
Kubayi said border security infrastructure had deteriorated over time, with large sections of fencing damaged, vandalised or missing, while critical access roads were also in poor condition.
“This has negatively affected border safeguarding operations, limiting patrol mobility, delayed response time, increased strain on personnel and equipment, and creating vulnerability exploited by illegal crossing, smuggling and transnational crime,” she said.
A Cabinet memorandum on the proposed infrastructure improvements has been approved, while National Treasury is finalising the funding model for the project
.
Technology to strengthen border control
The Department of Home Affairs is also modernising the border management system through the Electronic Traveller Authorisation and the upgraded Enhanced Movement Control System.
The systems were launched at OR Tambo International Airport by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 August 2026.
The Integrated Management Committee said the Customs Online Traveller Declaration system also began operating on 1 July and has been functioning without major concerns.
Scanners are now operational at all major land ports, airports and seaports.
The Border Management Authority is operating five drones at critical border points in Lebombo, Maseru, Oshoek, Beitbridge and KwaZulu-Natal, while procurement of nine additional drones is under way.
About 40 body-worn cameras are also being deployed at critical ports of entry to improve operational visibility and help combat internal corruption.
Repatriation operations return to normal
Between 14 June and 20 August 2026, some 86 596 foreign nationals were processed for deportation and repatriation through coordinated law enforcement operations.
Malawians accounted for the largest group, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
According to the IMC, 90% of those repatriated had entered South Africa illegally, with 95% classified as border jumpers.
The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina has since been shut down and decommissioned following a sharp decline in demand.
The centre had the capacity to accommodate 20 000 people and processed more than 4 000 repatriations at its peak. However, this fell to just 58 repatriations in August.
Repatriation operations at the centre were formally closed on 21 August 2026, marking a return to normal immigration law enforcement operations.
Government said it would continue working with neighbouring countries and regional structures to strengthen border security and address undocumented migration.
“Government remains committed to improving surveillance, inspections and operational coordination at ports of entry to ensure that South Africa’s borders are secure while facilitating legitimate travel and trade,” Kubayi said.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said significant progress had been made in strengthening border management and improving coordination among agencies operating at ports of entry and vulnerable border areas.
Cabinet has approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Plan (2026–2030), which will be implemented across all seven border provinces.
The plan aims to improve border security, patrol mobility, response times, personnel safety, infrastructure maintenance and coordination between government departments, while deterring illegal cross-border activity.
More than 4 200 intercepted
Despite these efforts, government continues to face challenges along South Africa’s extensive borders.
More than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted while attempting to enter the country outside formal ports of entry between April and July 2026.
Most were intercepted along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by areas bordering Lesotho and Mozambique.
Almost 90 000 people have been repatriated, while 81 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted in July.
South Africa has a land borderline of approximately 4 471km shared with six neighbouring countries and covering varied and challenging terrain.
Kubayi said border security infrastructure had deteriorated over time, with large sections of fencing damaged, vandalised or missing, while critical access roads were also in poor condition.
“This has negatively affected border safeguarding operations, limiting patrol mobility, delayed response time, increased strain on personnel and equipment, and creating vulnerability exploited by illegal crossing, smuggling and transnational crime,” she said.
A Cabinet memorandum on the proposed infrastructure improvements has been approved, while National Treasury is finalising the funding model for the project
.
Technology to strengthen border control
The Department of Home Affairs is also modernising the border management system through the Electronic Traveller Authorisation and the upgraded Enhanced Movement Control System.
The systems were launched at OR Tambo International Airport by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 August 2026.
The Integrated Management Committee said the Customs Online Traveller Declaration system also began operating on 1 July and has been functioning without major concerns.
Scanners are now operational at all major land ports, airports and seaports.
The Border Management Authority is operating five drones at critical border points in Lebombo, Maseru, Oshoek, Beitbridge and KwaZulu-Natal, while procurement of nine additional drones is under way.
About 40 body-worn cameras are also being deployed at critical ports of entry to improve operational visibility and help combat internal corruption.
Repatriation operations return to normal
Between 14 June and 20 August 2026, some 86 596 foreign nationals were processed for deportation and repatriation through coordinated law enforcement operations.
Malawians accounted for the largest group, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
According to the IMC, 90% of those repatriated had entered South Africa illegally, with 95% classified as border jumpers.
The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina has since been shut down and decommissioned following a sharp decline in demand.
The centre had the capacity to accommodate 20 000 people and processed more than 4 000 repatriations at its peak. However, this fell to just 58 repatriations in August.
Repatriation operations at the centre were formally closed on 21 August 2026, marking a return to normal immigration law enforcement operations.
Government said it would continue working with neighbouring countries and regional structures to strengthen border security and address undocumented migration.
“Government remains committed to improving surveillance, inspections and operational coordination at ports of entry to ensure that South Africa’s borders are secure while facilitating legitimate travel and trade,” Kubayi said.
