By Akani Nkuna
The South African government has committed R12.5 billion to redesign and redevelop six of the country’s busiest land ports of entry, in a major push to strengthen border security, improve compliance and curb the illicit movement of goods and people.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the project on Tuesday, describing it as the largest single infrastructure investment in border management.
The initiative aims to modernise South Africa’s immigration and border systems to meet growing security and trade demands.
The six targeted ports — Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg — handle about 80% of cross-border trade and passenger traffic.
Speaking at a media briefing in Hatfield, Pretoria, Schreiber said their efficiency and security are critical to both economic growth and national stability.
“Their performance has a direct impact on economic growth, revenue collection and national security. For many years, these high-volume corridors have been under significant strain, with congestion, outdated infrastructure and fragmented systems slowing trade and raising the cost of doing business,” he said.
He added that these weaknesses have enabled illegal immigration, illicit trade and fraud, undermining revenue collection and the rule of law.
The redevelopment programme, unveiled jointly with the Border Management Authority (BMA), will introduce advanced surveillance and integrated technology systems to strengthen enforcement and improve the movement of legitimate travellers and goods.
Schreiber said the upgraded infrastructure would not only enhance detection capabilities but also act as a deterrent.
“As enforcement becomes more effective and more visible, illegal activity is not only intercepted — it is deterred,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s approach is grounded in the rule of law, not populism.
“Our commitment is to fix problems in a rational and dispassionate manner. We are not interested in inflaming tensions or scapegoating,” he said, adding that calls for stricter immigration controls should not be mischaracterised.
Meanwhile, BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato confirmed that concessionaires and consortia have been appointed to carry out the upgrades, with construction expected to begin later this year or early next year. Projects are scheduled for completion within two to three years.
The Baobab Concession will handle Beitbridge and Oshoek, while the Ralux Consortium will redevelop Lebombo.
The Kgorong Consortium has been appointed for Maseru Bridge, the Kopfontein Consortium for Kopfontein, and the Imbani Consortium for Ficksburg.
Masiapato said the BMA is confident the appointed groups have the expertise to deliver.
“We have full confidence that they will deliver these critical national infrastructure projects within the required timeframes. We are committed to working closely with them,” he said.
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