South Africa’s land borders remain vulnerable to illegal crossings, particularly along rivers shared with neighbouring countries. A recent parliamentary response to a question revealed that there are no comprehensive fences or high walls along these river borders. Past attempts to install such barriers proved ineffective, leading the government to seek alternative measures.

One such alternative has been the use of drone surveillance by the Border Management Authority (BMA). Drones have demonstrated promising results in monitoring remote and inaccessible regions, providing real-time intelligence and enhancing situational awareness. However, the current level of drone deployment remains limited due to funding constraints. The Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the need for expanded investment in surveillance technology and has submitted a business case to the National Treasury to secure the necessary resources.

The integrity of a country’s landward borders is essential to preserving its sovereignty, public safety, and economic security. Preventing infiltration is a cornerstone of this objective. In South Africa, this imperative is challenged by long, porous borders, limited physical barriers, and constrained manpower. This context demands more than conventional methods, necessitating the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies to support border protection agencies.

To address these challenges effectively, South Africa should pursue a co-ordinated, multi-technology approach to border security, following the “wall of sensors” appraoch. A compelling model for such a strategy is the Meerkat Wide Area Surveillance System (WASS), developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Originally created to combat rhino poaching in Kruger National Park, Meerkat integrates ground surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors capable of detecting and classifying movement across wide areas. It provides geo-referenced real-time data to command centres, enabling swift, targeted responses. Proven to operate effectively under harsh environmental conditions, Meerkat has significantly contributed to wildlife protection, demonstrating its potential for broader security roles.

Building on this success, the CSIR developed the Ground-based Surveillance and Classification Radar (GSCR), which includes electronically steered antennas for greater sensitivity and artificial intelligence to automate the classification of objects. This system reduces reliance on human operators, allowing for continuous wide-area monitoring and quicker decision-making.

Complementing this is the RSR 903 Ground Surveillance Radar by Reutech Radar Systems, a locally developed solution tailored for persistent, all-weather ground surveillance. The RSR 903 is designed to detect, track, and classify targets over long ranges, making it well suited for both border protection and conservation efforts. It provides the force multiplication required by security agencies to compensate for limited personnel.

Reutech also offers the PIMS X300 Mobile Sensor Station, a rapidly deployable trailer-mounted platform that integrates radar (like the RSR 903), cameras, communications, and power systems into a single mobile unit. It is particularly valuable in areas where fixed infrastructure is lacking or when dynamic threats require flexible surveillance capability.

A Unified Border Surveillance Network: Case Study

An effective border security network can be built on the joint application of Meerkat WASS, GSCR, Reutech’s RSR 903 radar, and the PIMS X300. Together, these systems would form a layered, adaptable surveillance grid:

1. Strategic Coverage
   GSCR and RSR 903 radars would be installed in high-risk border areas for round-the-clock surveillance. Mobile PIMS X300 units would provide support in evolving threat zones or areas without permanent infrastructure.
2. Automated Threat Detection
   Artificial intelligence in GSCR systems enables automatic classification of radar detections, distinguishing humans from animals without operator input. This reduces false positives and streamlines incident response.
3. Visual Confirmation
   Electro-optical sensors such as the CSIR-developed Rino and Tyto systems would provide high-resolution imagery under various lighting and environmental conditions, enabling precise visual verification of radar detections.
4. Aerial Support
   Drones, ideally long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) would complement ground systems by investigating alerts and extending operational reach, especially in areas inaccessible by foot or vehicle.
5. Integrated Command and Control
   A centralised system would consolidate data from all components into a geo-referenced interface, allowing security teams to coordinate efficiently and respond rapidly to any incursions.
6. Local Development and Scalability
   These systems are developed or supported domestically, ensuring suitability to local conditions and infrastructure. Their modular design makes them scalable, allowing phased implementation aligned with available resources and national priorities.

South Africa’s current border protection strategy, reliant on limited manpower and ineffective physical barriers, requires urgent transformation. By adopting an integrated network of modern surveillance technologies, anchored by domestically produced technology, the country can build a resilient, intelligence-led border security framework. These proven, locally developed solutions offer the precision, flexibility, and efficiency needed to manage the complex challenges of border control. With the necessary investment and coordination, South Africa can establish a secure, modern border environment that protects national interests and upholds the integrity of its territorial boundaries.