South Africa’s borders have long served as a crucial gateway for commerce, tourism, and immigration. Today, with risks growing from transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and smuggling, the need to comprehensively revamp border security has never been more pressing. The country is now at the cusp of a technological revolution in border control, embracing state-of-the-art innovations to seal its porous borders. From AI-operated surveillance drones, blockchain-based immigration systems to sophisticated biometric identification, these new technologies will improve border security, curtail illegal trade, and facilitate efficient immigration processes.
Brigadier General Athlenda Mathe the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Spokesperson heralded the revolution already afoot.
She revealed that, “the Border Management Authority is currently developing and rolling out the Biometric Movement Control System”.
“This system will replace the Enhanced Movement Control System, eMCS, which has reached the end of its life. The BMCS allows for the capturing of fingerprint and facial biometric data of all travellers entering or exiting South Africa. Such biometric data will be instrumental in tracing the movement of travellers and hence improving national security.
According to Brigadier Gen. Mathe, another essential component of this integrated security approach involves the SAPS Border Policing Unit’s operations across borders.
“The 71 ports of entry each execute weekly operations related to the prevention and investigation of transnational crimes, which also include human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal firearm movements, stolen vehicles, and precious resources. Profiling suspicious vehicles from high-risk countries and coordination with neighbouring nations are ways in which SAPS strives to further curtail the activities across its borders,” she said.
The BMA’s Deputy Commissioner for Communications and Marketing, Mmemme Mogotsi, emphasized modernization. “We submitted an application for funding via the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) and were approved for R150 million to purchase much-needed equipment,” she said.
“The funds have been apportioned for needed equipment including: drones, vessels, body cameras, bio-security scanners, rifles, tactical helmets and binoculars.
“Through these investments, we have prioritized collaboration with the SANDF, Traditional Leaders, and community stakeholders in an effort to strengthen our border security framework,” Mogotsi added.
She highlighted that this collaborative approach extends to international cooperation. The BMA’s memorandum of understanding with INTERPOL exemplifies South Africa’s intention to strengthen relationships with global law enforcement agencies.
“Standing meetings with neighbouring countries ensure alignment on measures to combat cross-border crimes. Law enforcement border guards have been deployed along vulnerable segments of the borderline, often working jointly with the SANDF to deter cross-border criminal activities.”
Siphithi Sibeko of the South African Revenue Service points to the agency’s role in this technological change. According to SARS, the Customs Modernisation Programme aims to reduce the physical Customs footprint while its risk-detection and audit capabilities are improved.
“We have rolled out an Automated Number Plate Recognition Solution and an integrated Cargo Manifest Pre-Declaration system at land borders,” said Sibeko.
These systems speed up customs clearance to less than five minutes at big border posts while reducing ghost exports.
The implementation of electronic seals and the streaming of operations at borders to a National Targeting and Operations Centre illustrate the drive for SARS in terms of more transparency and efficiency.
“The electronic seal solution will secure high-value cargo movements from loading to discharge points, ensuring end-to-end visibility,” explained Sibeko.
SARS has also introduced predictive data analytics and a Single Window Portal for consolidating all parties involved in international trade and transport.
One cannot underestimate the role of the private sector in improving border security. Eric Milburn, Managing Director of ECM Technologies, gave some insight into the state-of-the-art solutions his company supplies in the realm of border management. These include high-end night vision systems, state-of-the-art thermal imaging, and narcotics detectors.
“Our technologies are ideal for border patrols, detecting illegal crossings, and inspecting hard-to-access areas like fuel tanks using digital endoscopes,” said Milburn. ECM’s Under Vehicle Search Systems have become an integral part in the inspection of vehicles at formal ports of entry.
A holistic and inclusive multi-agency approach is imperative, said Willem Els, Senior Training Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies.
“We need a coordinated operational plan that draws on strategies unique to each border post,” he asserted. Els emphasised the importance of using AI-driven software to monitor ground agents and the deployment of body cameras for customs officials. These measures protect operatives from being coerced by organised crime syndicates and provide real-time surveillance for accountability.
Innovations such as static and mobile back-scatter scanners for freight inspection, advanced drone technology for border patrols, and AI-driven analytics have been proposed to constitute the core elements of the strategy.
“We must draw lessons from peer countries like Brazil, Kenya, and India,” Els advised.
“Above all, we need the political will to implement a comprehensive strategy with sufficient funding, human capital, and private sector collaboration.
Regional Thematic Specialist for the International Organisation for Migration, Marcellino Ramkishun, puts the topic in global perspective. He referred to AI-driven drones, blockchain systems for secure transactions, and advanced biometric technologies that have been successful across other countries. “South Africa is a geopolitical country with unique challenges. By incorporating lessons learned from global best practices, it could build a border management system that is effective and adaptable,” said Ramkishun.
Ramkishun also stated that the maritime, land, and air borders of South Africa require tailored solutions.
“Maritime borders are particularly vulnerable to smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. Satellite tracking, automated identification systems (AIS) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are being considered as key tools for safeguarding South Africa’s extensive coastline.
“For land borders, AI-powered surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and radar systems will enhance ground-level monitoring and threat detection. Similarly, biometric systems at airports will speed up passenger processing at air borders while improving security,” he added.
Despite the advanced nature of these technologies, challenges persist. Financial constraints, inter-agency coordination, and training of personnel to operate sophisticated equipment pose significant hurdles. New technologies take a great deal of time and expertise to integrate into larger systems. The establishment of the Border Management Authority is a first significant step toward taking on these challenges and knitting the efforts of multiple agencies into a single framework.
The benefits of these reforms are vast. Enhanced surveillance and streamlined border crossing processes will facilitate legitimate trade and travel while thwarting illicit activities. By setting a precedent for border management in the region, South Africa’s initiatives could inspire neighbouring countries to follow suit, strengthening regional security.
South Africa’s journey to modernising its border security is far from over, but the pathway is clear. The adoption of AI, blockchain, advanced biometrics, and multi-agency collaboration promises to create a secure, efficient, and adaptable border management system. While financial, operational, and human resource challenges remain, the collective effort of government, private sector, and international bodies provides a beacon of hope. With sustained investment and political will, South Africa could set a new standard for border security in Southern Africa, ensuring a safer, more secure region for all.
The SAHRC previously expressed extensive concerns about the implementation of biometric systems, in particular, with regard to the protection of privacy and human rights. It emphasized the need to balance the technological conveniences of biometric systems with the need to protect the rights of citizens. The SAHRC is calling for rigorous measures against misuse, such as ensuring the secure storage of biometric data and allowing access for purposes that are not other than intended. The commission also noted that other dangers with respect to such technologies include marginalization, especially regarding groups that are more susceptible, and possible discriminatory use. It also emphasizes the need for public debate and transparency in decision-making processes concerning such systems, so that they are not used in a manner inconsistent with individual rights.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Toolkit that can be crucial for South Africa’s border control. This framework ensures responsible AI use in security by focusing on ethics, human rights, and transparency. It encourages cooperation between law enforcement, technology developers, and other stakeholders, promoting advanced AI tools that enhance border control while safeguarding civil liberties. This aligns with South Africa’s efforts to strengthen border security without compromising individual rights.
Biometric Systems in Border Control
Biometric identification systems are being implemented across the world in border management. The introduction of the Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS) by South Africa is part of a broader trend in border security. Biometric systems rely on distinctive physical characteristics (fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features) to authenticate identities. This helps to minimize identity fraud and improve border security, and speed up immigration processes. Presently, more than 130 countries are implementing biometric systems for foundational ID programs, according to the World Bank Group’s ID4D. These systems look at an individual’s biometric data against an existing database so that any one person has unique identification, reducing multiples of a single enrollment.
AI-driven Drones in Border Surveillance
Other major technological advancements include border surveillance through drones. Several lots of drones are being acquired by the BMA to patrol at least the most vulnerable sections of the border. Deployed globally for real-time surveillance to keep track of human and vehicular traffic, drones monitor a wide range of remote areas. According to the World Economic Forum, drones have the potential to yield substantive benefits for border control through better visibility of what is going on in hard-to-reach areas, especially those that are either maritime or land borders.
Private sector contribution to border innovation
Companies such as ECM Technologies are among leading contributors of high-tech surveillance and detection equipment. Their offerings range from thermal imaging, night vision, narcotics detection, and under-vehicle search systems-all crucial to the operations of any border control. Such engagement of the private sector forms part of increased collaboration between the public and private sectors in modern border security.
International best practices and lessons for South Africa
The WB Group’s ID4D draws lessons from Brazil, Kenya, and India as examples of countries where AI-driven analytics, mobile surveillance, and multi-biometric systems have been effectively implemented to improve South Africa’s border control. These international practices provide a clear roadmap for overcoming technical, operational, and financial challenges associated with the integration of new technologies into existing frameworks.
