The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced that it is deploying senior officials to monitor the situation at South African borders, including the Beitbridge border post, during the Easter holidays.
The Beitbridge border, which links South Africa and Zimbabwe, is one of the busiest borders in the continent. According to The Herald, during the peak periods like Easter holidays, the Beitbridge border clears around 35 000 travellers a day.
BMA Senior Officials deployed during Easter Holidays
The BMA announced in a statement that its Deputy Commissioner, Jane Thupana, will be on the ground during the Easter holidays to monitor the situation at the Beitbridge border.
Additionally, the BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, will be at the Lebombo port of entry before the Easter holidays.
“The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato will on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 from 16h00 be on the ground to monitor the accelerated security control measures at the Lebombo port of entry before the Easter holidays,” said the BMA.
The BMA stated that it has also deployed drones and body-worn cameras for additional technological support.
“Commissioner Masiapato will be in Lebombo from 15 to 18 April 2025, while most travellers are exiting the country before the Easter holidays. Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana will be in Beitbridge from 16 to 17 April 2025,” the BMA stated.
Improvements At The Beitbridge Border
According to The Chronicle, Zimbabwe’s Department of Immigration has installed automated gates (e-gates) for use by those with biometric electronic passports to ease traffic at all three terminals during the holidays.
This system will help those travelling with e-passports. They can scan them at the e-gates for automatic clearance for entry or exit, reducing the human interface that often facilitates rent-seeking activities.
Are you travelling during the Easter holidays?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
