Number of travellers expected to spike at border posts for Easter

The Border Management Authority (BMA) said that it is operating with just 25% of the resources it needs.

This, as the authority prepares for a surge in Easter travel.

The BMA has flagged a significant capacity gap with limited staffing and equipment, including only 40 body cameras and four drones to monitor all 71 ports of entry.

This comes as traveller numbers are expected to spike with some border posts projected to handle more than 25,000 people a day.

This admission underscores the strain on border operations as officials balance security, efficiency and anti-corruption efforts during one of the busiest travel periods.

The authority has introduced new measures, including uniquely numbered passport stamps aimed at tracking officials and reducing fraud.

However, limited surveillance capacity, including just four drones nationwide, raises concerns about effective monitoring, particularly in high-risk areas.

The BMA said that it will rely on coordinated law enforcement operations, technology and increased oversight to manage the expected spike in traffic.

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said, "BMA is sitting at around just below 2,600 individuals in the ecosystem. We have emphasised that according to the structure, we are meant to be 11,200. So, there is basically more than 8,500 people short who are supposed to come through.”

The authority maintains that its operational plan is on track with measures in place to ensure both security and the smooth movement of travellers.