Minister Malusi Gigaba: State of readiness for 2015 Easter period at ports of entry

This briefing is meant to share information on the state of readiness at ports of entry for the 2015 Easter period, one of the busiest times to feature in the annual programme of the Department of Home Affairs.

In preparation for the effective and efficient facilitation of movement of persons and goods during the 2015 Easter period, we have extended operational hours at selected ports of entry where an increase in traveller movement is anticipated.

As part of the preparations, we have deployed 127 additional staff to the ports of entry, to enhance service delivery levels.

On the whole, it is all systems go, even for critical ports of entry, like Beit Bridge, Maseru Bridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg and Groblers Bridge.

To ensure the success of this operation, key stakeholders at the various ports of entry as well as countries sharing borders with our Republic have been engaged and accordingly agreed on the dates to effect the extended operational hours.

Among others things, due to the massive pilgrimage of members of the Zionist Christian Church over the Easter weekend, the Department commenced consultation with the churches to ensure that movement across borders in general and Groblers Bridge in particular is smooth. We have encouraged people to travel gradually over the entire period rather than on a single day; this was also for reasons of safety on the roads.

During last year’s Easter weekend – 17 to 22 April 2014 – our Immigration Services processed a total of 754 616 travellers at South Africa’s national ports of entry – land, sea and airports. This figure comprised 535 960 foreigners and 218 000 South Africans.

The highest volume ports of entry for the 2014 Easter period were Oliver Tambo International Airport, Beit Bridge, Maseru Bridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg, Oshoek and Groblers Bridge. The top five nationalities recorded as arriving and departing South Africa were from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and United Kingdom.

On behalf of the Ministry and Department of Home Affairs, I would like to inform citizens and all our clients, we are ready swiftly, and with the highest level of professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness, to process all travellers in and out of South Africa.

I would like also to express our gratitude to all departmental officials, particularly stationed at the ports of entry and those who had volunteered from other sections, for dedicated service, and willingness to serve at such a critical time when many would like to be with family, friends and fellow congregants.

The Department of Home Affairs therefore wishes to announce the extension of hours for the 2015 Easter period for major ports of entry, as follows:

The ports of entry below will extend operational hours for March - April 2015 (not including Easter) as follows: