BMA says over 26,000 people attempted to enter SA illegally during the festive season

The Border Management Authority (BMA) said over 26,000 individuals attempted to enter the country illegally during the festive season.

The BMA and the Department of Home Affairs delivered their festive season report.

Over 4.9 million legitimate travellers were recorded passing through the country’s 71 ports of entry.

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said while there were still illegal travellers, that number has declined drastically.

“During this 2025/2026 festive period, there has been a significant decline in the number of individuals who attempted to enter South Africa illegally compared to the 58,394 during the 2024/2025 festive season. 

“This represents a 46% decline, which can be attributed to the deterrence imposed by the deployment of drones in the border environment. Of the total of 26,852, about 14,828 are Basotho nationals, followed by Zimbabweans at 5,370, and Mozambicans at about 1,373.”