SA Unveils Advanced Drone and Camera Technology for Border Security

The drones, equipped with cutting-edge night vision cameras and thermal detection technology, are poised to play a pivotal role in securing South Africa’s borders.

As part of a significant leap forward in border security, the South African government has announced the deployment of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, alongside 40 body-worn cameras at the country’s key ports of entry during the upcoming Easter long weekend. This advanced technology is expected to bolster the nation’s border enforcement efforts by significantly enhancing the surveillance and monitoring of illegal border crossings, smuggling, and corruption among port officials.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Enhanced Border Security

The drones, equipped with cutting-edge night vision cameras and thermal detection technology, are poised to play a pivotal role in securing South Africa’s borders. These drones can operate in challenging environments, including remote rural areas and even underground, where traditional surveillance may struggle. With the capability to recognize and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles, the drones are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables them to make real-time decisions and track potential threats. Their impressive speed of up to 43 kilometers per hour ensures that they can cover large areas quickly and efficiently.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized that the deployment of these advanced technologies represents a significant milestone for the Border Management Authority (BMA). Schreiber noted the success of an initial trial during the festive season, where data revealed a staggering 215% increase in the number of illegal crossings prevented due to the use of drones. Based on this success, the technology will now be deployed on a permanent basis.

Schreiber also made it clear that the enhanced monitoring capabilities mean that criminals attempting to cross the border illegally will have nowhere to hide. “We are now watching the borderline during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you,” he stated.

Body Cameras to Address Corruption and Improve Efficiency

In addition to the drones, the BMA will also deploy 40 body-worn cameras that will be issued to officials working at ports of entry. These cameras will serve a dual purpose: first, to detect and address acts of corruption among officials and, second, to ensure the efficiency of the operations at border control points. The cameras will be linked to a Digital Evidence Management System, ensuring that all recorded footage is admissible in court. This system is designed to facilitate successful convictions for criminal activities observed during border operations.

Minister Schreiber highlighted the importance of this technology, stressing that it not only strengthens security but also helps to foster transparency and accountability within the Border Management Authority. “With these cameras, we will ensure that our officials are performing their duties with integrity and professionalism, and we will be able to hold those who break the law accountable,” Schreiber said.

The 2025 Easter Operation: A Continuation of Success

The Easter operational plan, set to run from April 15 to April 24, 2025, builds upon the lessons learned during the 2024/25 festive season. During that period, the BMA successfully processed over 5 million travelers across 71 ports of entry, demonstrating the capacity and efficiency of the border management system. This year, the Easter operation is expected to handle even higher volumes of traffic, with increased cross-border movements anticipated due to religious observances, cultural gatherings, and commercial activity.

Dr. Micheal Masiapato, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, stated that the period leading up to Easter, starting on February 1, 2025, had seen an intensification of planning and preparation. With heightened expectations for both the flow of travelers and the risks associated with this period, the BMA has put in place robust measures to ensure safety and security during the peak period. “We are here to serve the citizens of the country, to deter any illegality at our ports of entry, and to ensure the safety of all who pass through them,” Masiapato said.

Training and Deployment of Expert Drone Pilots

To ensure the drones are operated efficiently, the BMA has already begun training a select group of officers to become expert drone pilots. Eight officers will be tasked with operating the drones on a shift basis, rotating through various ports across the country to monitor traffic and detect illegal activities. This strategic deployment aims to ensure that the drones are used effectively and that border operations are responsive to any emerging threats.

The addition of drone technology to border operations is seen as a crucial move to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated methods of illegal border crossings and criminal activities. The technology will be deployed as part of a broader strategy to ensure that South Africa’s borders remain secure, particularly during high-traffic periods such as the Easter holidays.

The Role of the Zion Christian Church in the Easter Movement

The BMA has also noted the significant role that the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) plays in the increased movement of people across the country’s borders during the Easter period. As one of the largest religious gatherings in Southern Africa, the ZCC draws thousands of attendees, many of whom travel across borders, particularly from neighboring countries into South Africa. The authorities are preparing for the increased demand at ports of entry and have emphasized that the use of drones will assist in maintaining order and security throughout the period.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Border Management

The ongoing integration of AI-driven technology, drones, and body cameras into the BMA’s operations marks a new era in the management of South Africa’s borders. With plans to expand and refine these operations, the government is sending a strong message that it is committed to using every available tool to protect national security, prevent illegal immigration, and combat smuggling and corruption.

As these technologies become more ingrained in daily operations, the BMA envisions a future where advanced surveillance and monitoring systems help to ensure that the country’s ports of entry remain secure, efficient, and transparent.

With the Easter long weekend approaching, the South African government is sending a clear message to both legal travelers and those with ill intentions: The country’s borders are under 24/7 surveillance, and there will be no tolerance for illegal activity.