Government rolls out border infrastructure overhaul to curb illegal crossings

By Thapelo Molefe

The government will begin a major upgrade of border fencing and patrol infrastructure this year as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal crossings, smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Tuesday that Cabinet had approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Programme, which will be rolled out in phases until 2030 across the country’s seven border provinces.

The programme will include new and upgraded fencing, improved patrol roads, surveillance technology and control centres aimed at strengthening monitoring along South Africa’s approximately 4,471km land border.

Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, said deteriorating fencing and roads had made it difficult for security agencies to patrol some areas.

“Over time, border security infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, with large sections of fencing damaged, vandalised or even absent and critical access roads in poor condition,” she said.

“This has negatively affected border safeguarding operations,