Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says South Africa’s R12.5 billion border infrastructure overhaul will transform the country’s ports of entry into modern, secure and efficient gateways for trade and travel.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, Schreiber said the redevelopment of six key land ports of entry marks a critical milestone in reforming the country’s immigration and border management system.
“Today we take the next step on our journey to reform South Africa’s immigration and border management system into a modern, secure, efficient and truly world-class institutional ecosystem.”
The multi-year programme, implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP), will see the demolition and rebuilding of six high-traffic ports: Lebombo (Mozambique), Beitbridge (Zimbabwe), Oshoek (Eswatini), Kopfontein (Botswana), Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg (Lesotho).
“This project, worth an estimated R12.5 billion, constitutes the single biggest investment ever made by the South African government in upgrading our country’s border management system,” the Minister said.
Schreiber said the six ports account for the majority of cross-border movement and are critical to economic performance.
“Together, they account for over 80% of cross-border trade and passenger flows through South Africa’s land borders,” he said.
However, he noted that ageing infrastructure and inefficiencies have long constrained operations, in turn, enabling criminal activity.
“Congestion, outdated infrastructure, and fragmented systems have slowed down trade and increased the cost of doing business.
“Weaknesses have been exploited through illegal migration, illicit trade, and fraudulent practices that undermine both revenue collection and the rule of law,” Schreiber said.
The redevelopment aims to shift border operations from manual and fragmented systems to integrated, technology-driven processes.
“We are moving from fragmented, manual processes to integrated, digital systems; from duplication and delay, to coordination and convenience [and from] vulnerability to control.”
Schreiber said the impact of the upgrades will be felt across the economy.
“Shorter turnaround times. Reduced congestion. More predictable movement of goods and people. These improvements go directly to the heart of economic growth,” the Minister said.
He cited studies showing that improved efficiency at borders can significantly boost trade.
“Studies estimate that even a 5% reduction in border clearance time can increase intra-regional exports by around 10%,” he said.
The reforms are also expected to strengthen enforcement and revenue collection.
“Enhanced surveillance, improved infrastructure, and integrated data systems will allow for more targeted and effective enforcement. A further critical outcome is the protection and enhancement of revenue,” the Minister said.
Schreiber said the project will also create jobs and improve the daily experience of travellers.
“For South Africans, this project means shorter queues, lower costs, and more reliable movement of goods. It means stronger protection against illegal immigration, illicit trade, and criminal activity.”
He described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with government priorities and a catalytic investment for the country.
Highlighting the focus on high-impact areas, Schreiber referenced the Pareto principle.
“The Pareto principle states that roughly 80% of outcomes are generated by just 20% of inputs.
“In this case, the six ports of entry we are focusing on account for roughly 11% of South Africa’s 53 land ports of entry but they generate 80% of traffic volume – and likely also about 80% of illicit activity."
He said targeting these ports would maximise impact.
“This is smart government in action. This is how we unlock trade and economic growth to deliver better lives for the people of South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
