By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the launch of drones and body cameras that will be used along the borders from Easter in an attempt to intercept illegal crossings into South Africa.
Schreiber was joined by Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, who also presented the upcoming Easter Operation Plan.
Schreiber highlighted the importance of digital transformation in enhancing the capabilities of the BMA. He stressed that, through innovation and technology, the BMA can address limitations in human resources and financial constraints while improving security and operational efficiency.
A key element of the new initiative is the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which have already been successfully piloted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
These drones were tested during the December period and resulted in a 215% increase in the number of illegal crossings being prevented, he said.
The drones, showcased as part of the Easter operational plan, represent a major leap forward in border security.
Schreiber referred to these drones as “one of the most advanced in the country” and emphasised their capabilities, which include thermal vision, long-range zoom, and night surveillance features.
“There are two models being rolled out, the EVO max 4N and the EVO Max 4T. The four N is specifically designed for nighttime operations with starlight vision and long-range thermal cameras, allowing us to operate in the darkest conditions,” said Schreiber.
“These devices can fly at speeds of up to 43 kilometers per hour, tracking individuals or vehicles across a wide area.”
He further highlighted the drones’ autonomous navigation abilities, which allow them to detect and track objects, providing real-time data and intelligence to BMA officials in the field.
Recognising that technology alone cannot secure borders, Schreiber also discussed the extensive investment in training personnel to operate these advanced systems. He noted that eight drone pilots have been trained, and their intensive program will include both classroom and field training to ensure that they are fully equipped to use the technology effectively.
“The success of this initiative is not just about the devices. It’s about our people and the cultural shift that comes with integrating this technology into our operations,” Schreiber said.
Another crucial aspect of the BMA’s new strategy is the use of body cameras. Forty body cameras have been procured, enabling real-time surveillance of interactions between officials and individuals in the border environment, he said.
Schreiber also emphasised that these devices would play a key role in reducing corruption and increasing efficiency in border management.
“We have seen the positive impact of body cameras in other countries, and now South Africa is taking this step to ensure transparency and accountability at all ports of entry,” Schreiber said.
The BMA said it would be extending operating hours at critical ports of entry during the Easter holidays.
Masiapato announced that the extension of operating hours during Easter period that was agreed to by authorities in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, eSwatini, Namibia, and Botswana.
He said, the Grobler’s Bridge border gate between Botswana and the Van Rooyen’s gate between Lesotho would operate for 24 hours ahead of the busy Easter weekend.
“There will be focused deployments, there will be intensified security measures, there will be increased security capacity as well as streamlined border checks.All of this will be done in order to ensure the smooth as well as the secure passage for all travellers while maintaining vigilance against illegal activities.”
“The BMA will increase deployments at all ports, especially on the eve of Easter, with high-visibility personnel and rapid response teams,” Masiapato said.
He said BMA senior managers will be deployed to critical ports between the 15th and 24th of April 2025.
These include Lebombo, Beit Bridge, Kopfontein, OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Maseru Bridge.