Border Management Authority Easter Operational Plan 2026

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Border Management Authority Easter Operational Plan 2026

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR

 

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato on the 2026 Easter Operational Plan

Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services Madam Jane Thupana,

Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Major General (rtd) David Chilembe,

Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Assistant Commissioners present,

Representatives of our public and private partners present,

The entire border management community,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning

As the Border Management Authority, we are once again gathered here to present the Easter festive season plan which is aimed at ensuring the efficient, secure and seamless movement of people and goods across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry during the Easter period. This plan reflects the Authority’s commitment for the robust implementation of border law enforcement functions while enabling legitimate travel, tourism and trade during one of the busiest periods on the country’s national calendar. 

The plan is supported by various structures across our national security cluster that include, the inter-ministerial consultative committee on border management, the border technical committee of directors-general and heads of entities, the natjoints, the provjoints and other critical structures in the broader border management ecosystem.

The operational plan is structured into four key phases and those are planning, execution, demobilisation and sustenance.

Planning Phase

Our planning phase commenced at the tail-end of the festive period which was between December 2025 and January 2026, specifically on the 05th of February 2026 and set to end tomorrow, the 30th of March 2026. Given the existing BMA resource constraints, this phase has focused on integrated stakeholder engagements for the purposes of identifying partnerships that would assist in augmenting our resources. 

As part of these efforts, we have continued to maintain our critical partnerships with the Western Cape Government which has allocated approximately 50 officials to support the BMA as immigration officers at Cape Town International Airport. Similarly, the Gauteng Provincial Government has maintained its support through the deployment of 80 officers assisting as immigration officers at OR Tambo International Airport.

To tackle the cross-border social protection challenges, particularly the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable travellers including those without requisite travel documentation and victims of trafficking, we partnered with the Department of Social Development to deploy various social workers to the various ports of entry through their provincial structures. In addition, we welcome the continued partnership with the Department of Tourism wherein they deployed over 160 tourism safety officers to enhance the seamless flow of traveller movements within the port premises. 

With regards to infrastructure augmentation, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) through its continued support will provide temporary lighting, ablution facilities, barricades and jojo water tankers, amongst others to enhance conditions within the ports of entry and transit corridors.

For corridor management, the national, provincial and local traffic authorities will be intensifying their deployments to ensure strict and full compliance with the traffic protocols.

Beyond the public sector collaboration, we welcome partnerships with DCD Protected Mobility, Paramount Group, Aselsan South Africa, and Unipro Protective Wear. These partnerships align with the quest for technology driven border management as they support the deployment of an integrated suite of advanced surveillance, mobility and protective technologies for this Easter period. In the same vein, Sanlam and Assupol will assist with the health and wellbeing of officials in the border environment during this period.

Within this planning phase, at a regional level, extensive port-based inter-jurisdictional discussions have been conducted with neighbouring countries including Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, eSwatini and Botswana to maintain streamlined border processes and enhance coordination.

Execution Phase

This phase will run for a period of ten days commencing on Tuesday, 31 March and ending on Thursday, 09 April 2026. It is divided into two segments, the departure leg from 31 March to 04 April 2026 and the arrival leg from 05 to 09 April 2026.

Peak travel volumes are expected on Thursday, 02 April 2026 for departures and on Easter Monday, 06 April 2026 for arrivals. During these peak periods, traveller volumes may exceed 25 000 travellers per day at the busiest ports of entry.

The BMA will implement heightened deployments, increased processing capacity, streamlined border checks and reinforced security to facilitate safe and efficient traveller movement while preventing illegal activities. Priority will be given to the elderly, persons with disabilities and adults travelling with children.

Demobilisation Phase

This phase will commence on 10 April 2026 and will focus on the structured scaling down of operations, resource reallocation and post-operational assessments to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Sustenance Phase

Following the Easter operations, the BMA will sustain heightened operational awareness through continuous monitoring, evaluation and adaptive planning, including preparations for the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Key Operational Measures

On immigration, the BMA will intensify the detection and proper processing of undocumented travellers, strengthen access control and enforce strict compliance with immigration requirements. All travellers must present valid machine-readable passports with at least two blank pages and comply with visa conditions. Parents travelling with minors must present required documentation.

High-risk areas will be closely monitored through coordinated law enforcement operations. Any individual attempting to enter or exit the Republic illegally will face arrest and prosecution in line with the Immigration Act.

On port health, travellers from yellow fever endemic areas must present valid vaccination certificates. Travellers carrying health-related goods must declare them on arrival.

On agricultural and environmental biosecurity, the importation of plants, animals and related products requires proper certification. Non-compliance may result in fines or imprisonment.

Proactive Measures to Curb Corruption

The BMA will utilise technology such as drones and body worn cameras to deter corruption. Anti-corruption awareness initiatives led by the Special Investigating Unit continue to educate officials on the consequences of corrupt practices.

In conclusion, the BMA remains committed to delivering a secure, efficient and traveller-friendly border environment. This 2026 Easter operational plan reflects a balanced approach between facilitation and enforcement, ensuring that South Africa’s borders contribute positively to economic growth while safeguarding national security.

Members of the public are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, comply with all legal requirements and cooperate fully with border officials. 

Suspicious activities and corruption can be reported via the toll-free number 0800 122 9 019 or through the official website www.bma.gov.za.

I Thank You.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato 

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Defence Showcases Capabilities at the 2026 Rand Show

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Defence Showcases Capabilities at the 2026 Rand Show

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be participating in the 2026 edition of the Rand Show, taking place from 2 to 6 April 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in NASREC.

The SANDF will once more utilise the Rand Show as an opportunity to educate and raise public awareness about the SANDF as well as to bring the defence force to the people. It will also showcase and engage with the citizens of the country on a variety of careers, training opportunities, social responsibility as well as to put a spotlight on the department’s achievements in peace support operations in Africa.

The SANDF’s presence at this iconic event re-assures citizens of its commitment while demonstrating the strength, professionalism, and readiness of South Africa’s armed forces. Visitors will be treated to a range of static displays, interactive exhibitions, and live capability demonstrations, offering a rare opportunity to experience the SANDF’s military might up close.

From advanced equipment and vehicles to specialised units and operational showcases, the SANDF aims to foster greater understanding of its role in safeguarding the nation. This participation will also provide a platform for direct interaction between members of the public and the men and women who serve, reinforcing the bond between the Defence Force and the people of South Africa.

The SANDF encourages families, students, and all interested members of the media attending the Rand 

Show to Visit SANDF displays and Exhibitions in order to be part of this unique experience.

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North West Provincial Legislature on illegal mining

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North West Provincial Legislature on illegal mining

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism chaired by Hon Mpho Khunou has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing number of illegal mining activities and unauthorised chrome wash plants operating across the province, particularly in the Bojanala and Madibeng areas. 

The concerns emerged during an engagement between the Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), where several regulatory, environmental and enforcement challenges were highlighted.

The Committee noted with concern that the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) regulations are allegedly being abused due to regulatory gaps and grey areas relating to the authorisation and regulation of chrome wash plants. The Committee has requested the Department to take it through the regulations clause by clause and outline recommendations to address the regulatory gaps, including whether amendments to Section 24G of NEMA or new regulations are required. 

The Committee further raised concerns about the environmental impact of illegal wash plants, including water pollution, illegal discharge into rivers, air pollution, land degradation and unsafe excavations, which negatively affect communities and municipal infrastructure. Members also expressed concern that illegal mining activities continue despite existing legislation, and that enforcement actions rarely lead to prosecutions and convictions.

The Committee noted that approximately 70 chrome wash plants have been inspected in the 2025/26 financial year, of which about 30 were found to be operating without environmental authorisation. Seven criminal cases have been opened with SAPS and several pre-compliance notices issued to operators, some of whom have committed to apply for rectification in terms of Section 24G of NEMA. 

However, the Committee raised concern over delays in payment of fines, appeals processes, and the slow pace of enforcement.

The Committee also raised serious concerns about the Department’s limited capacity, noting that there are currently only three compliance inspectors in the Bojanala District, which is insufficient to monitor the increasing number of mining and wash plant operations in the area.

Another major concern raised was the lack of coordination between government institutions responsible for enforcement, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, Water and Sanitation, municipalities, Traditional Authorities and other regulatory bodies. The Committee noted that fragmented enforcement and poor coordination contribute to the continued operation of illegal mining activities and unauthorised wash plants.

Concerns were also highlighted that many wash plant operations are allegedly run by foreign nationals operating illegally in the country, and there was a call for intensified joint operations involving Home Affairs and the Department of Labour to address illegal operators and labour compliance issues.

Furthermore, the Committee raised concerns about delays in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application processes, poor quality submissions by consultants, non-compliance with licence conditions, and allegations of corruption and bribery in licensing and inspection processes. The Committee requested the Department to provide full details on fines issued, operators involved, compliance notices issued, and timelines for ensuring that illegal operations are either compliant or shut down.

“The situation relating to illegal mining and unauthorised wash plants in the North West Province is extremely concerning. Communities are suffering environmental damage, water pollution and unsafe mining activities, while the province is not benefiting economically from these operations. 

We are particularly concerned about regulatory gaps, lack of enforcement capacity and poor coordination between institutions. 

The Committee will continue to push for stronger regulations, improved enforcement, a full audit of mining activities in the province and better coordination among all government departments involved,” stated Hon Khunou.

The Committee also called for a comprehensive audit of all mining and wash plant activities in the province, a central database of approved mining rights and environmental authorisations, and a coordinated joint enforcement programme involving all relevant government institutions.

The Committee will convene further stakeholder engagements to address the matter comprehensively and to ensure that mining activities in the province are conducted legally, responsibly and in a manner that benefits the people of the North West Province while protecting the environment.

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ELECTRICITY DEBT OWED BY SCHOOLS IN GAUTENG

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ELECTRICITY DEBT OWED BY SCHOOLS IN GAUTENG 

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) wishes to clarify matters relating to electricity debt owed by some public schools to municipalities, which led to service interruptions. 

The Department wishes to refute assertions that we gave some schools the burden of arrear accounts. We can confirm that schools were allocated funds in November 2025 specifically for them to settle their municipal obligations, including electricity accounts. 

The Department had also previously communicated with School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on the decentralisation of the payment of municipal accounts, and their responsibility to ensure the relevant allocations were accordingly utilised to settle their municipal accounts and pay their monthly electricity consumption. 

It is therefore quite concerning that some schools are not paying their municipal accounts despite having received the necessary allocations and being aware of their responsibilities to pay their accounts. 

In Eldorado Park, for example, the Department had allocated the following funds in November 2025 to the mentioned schools for the purpose of paying their municipal accounts: Kliptown Primary: R 233 167 Heerengracht Primary: R 358 739 Eldorado Park Secondary: R 523 503 Eldomaine High School: R 512 306 

We urge all affected schools to engage municipalities where applicable, in order to negotiate payment arrangements and work towards settling outstanding debt. 

The Department is currently facilitating processes for schools to receive the 2026/27 financial year allocations, which schools are expected to receive on or before 15 May 2026. 

These allocations will assist schools in meeting their operational commitments, including municipal services. In the meantime, the Gauteng Department of Education will continue to engage municipalities not to cut their services, particularly as the interruption of electricity supply may negatively affect teaching and learning. 

“We wish to reiterate that we are engaging with all municipalities as this challenge is notably experienced across the province. 

These engagements will assist schools in ensuring they consistently pay their accounts and that their payments and accounts remain accurate at all times. Going forward, schools must also ensure that they use the allocations they receive strictly for its intended purposes,” said Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane. 

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MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE

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MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the Pretoria High Court on 57-year-old Peter Johannes Smith from Brits for the murder of his wife, Theonette Smith. He was further sentenced to five (5) years’ direct imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. 

The court ordered that the five-year sentence run concurrently with the life sentence.

On the night of 12 October 2024, the deceased and Smith were consuming alcohol and celebrating Smith’s new work appointment at their place of residence. While celebrating, an argument ensued between the two and during the argument, the deceased physically assaulted Smith by slapping him. 

In response, Smith assaulted the deceased by slapping her multiple times on her head and the deceased fell on the floor and died. Thereafter, Smith left the deceased lying on the floor in their living area and went to sleep. The following morning, Smith took the body of the deceased, placed it in his car and dumped the half-naked body of the deceased in a nearby veld. Smith then went to the Brits police station to report his wife missing, and while opening a missing person’s report, a police officer received a phone call from a community member stating that they have found a half-naked body at a veld. 

The police then took Smith to the veld and on arrival Smith identified the dead body as his wife. While at the veld, the police noticed blood stains in Smiths car and requested him to take them to his place of residence. On arrival, the police found blood stains on Smiths couch and living room. Smith was then arrested at his place of residence and has been in custody since the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail.

During trial proceedings, Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. However, the State Prosecutor, Adv Vusimuzi Tshabalala, presented compelling evidence, including expert testimony from a pathologist, which proved the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. 

During sentencing proceedings, the defence requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing that Smith is a first-time offender, had recently secured permanent employment as a teacher, and holds a black belt in karate. 

The defence further argued that he did not cause any serious injuries to the deceased and that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence. Adv Tshabalala opposed this submission, arguing that Smith was aware of the deceased’s underlying medical condition and had a duty to protect her as his spouse.

Instead, he subjected her to violence, ultimately causing her death. The State further submitted that Smith demonstrated a lack of remorse, attempted to mislead the police, and degraded the dignity of the deceased by disposing of her half-naked body in a veld. Adv Tshabalala also read a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, where the daughter of the deceased expressed how her psychological and physical wellbeing has deteriorated after her mother died and that she has lost her support system.

In delivering judgment, Acting Judge Melissa Jordan agreed with the State’s submissions, noting that Smith had abused a position of trust. 

The court found that, as a trained karate practitioner, he possessed the knowledge and capability to inflict harm. 

The judge further rejected the argument that alcohol influenced his actions, noting that Smith had indicated he would have acted similarly even if sober. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment.

The NPA reiterates its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against vulnerable persons are held accountable.

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