THE Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said they are prepared to facilitate and manage the movement of people and goods across the ports.
He was speaking during a media briefing in Hatfield, Tshwane on Sunday, 3 December.
"This message is particularly directed to those who are intending to use any of our 72 ports of entry for entering or leaving South Africa in the upcoming 2023 festive season," he said.
He said the South African Border Environment does experience a significant increase in the movement of persons and goods across the various ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
Masiapato said their plan has been presented and remains supported by various structures such as National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (NATJOINTS), the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and other critical partners.
He said over the years, the 10 ports of entry which facilitate the majority of the people have always been OR Tambo International, Beitbridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg, Maseru Bridge, Cape Town International, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Caledonspoort and Groblers Bridge.
"Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has already approved our request to extend the operating hours on other identified critical ports for certain dates after we agreed with our neighbouring countries," he said.
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Masiapato said they will be sending almost 380 additional personnel at the selected busiest ports of entry to assist with service delivery and technical support during the festive season period.
He said their primary focus for exit and return legs is improving efficiency and effectiveness.
"We will be curbing illegal movement of persons and goods with specific focus on cross-border organised criminal elements and other general crimes perpetrated in the ports of entry and border law enforcement area.
"We would like to implore all travellers leaving and or entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are ready to avoid any unnecessary delays at ports of entry. Travellers are reminded that their passports should have at least an empty page in order to enable the BMA immigration team members to stamp the passports as required," he said.
