BMA shifts focus to G20 departures as delegations prepare to leave SA

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has shifted its focus to the departure phase of the G20 Leaders’ Summit as international heads of state, senior officials and delegations prepare to leave South Africa over the next two days.

According to the Authority, teams have been deployed across all key operational areas to manage the high-level movements. This includes continuous coordination with foreign mission desks to track departure schedules, respond to facilitation requests and maintain synchronised processing between specialised BMA functions responsible for security screening, immigration management and executive processing.

BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said officials were working around the clock to ensure that the departure phase runs smoothly.

“BMA officials across all key operational areas are working around the clock to manage the exit leg of the Summit. Our teams remain fully deployed to ensure that every departure is facilitated with precision, that security protocols are upheld without compromise, and that South Africa’s border environment remains stable as the Summit enters its final phase,” she said.

The Authority confirmed that no G20-related movements had been processed through land ports of entry, although these remain on standby in case any ground-transport contingencies are activated.

She said the BMA continues to participate in NATJOINTS National Coordinating Committee meetings, where it provides real-time updates on border operations and responds to any issues affecting security or the flow of summit movements.

Mogotsi said specialised functions such as port health, port agriculture, biosecurity services, port environmental teams, intelligence support and border law enforcement remain fully active as part of the broader operational effort.

During routine enforcement work at OR Tambo International Airport, Mogotsi said BMA officials intercepted a high-risk consignment of 64 Chinese mitten crabs in the international arrivals inspection area. The species is prohibited for importation into South Africa. The passenger found in possession of the consignment was arrested, and the case was handed over to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s enforcement unit. Mogotsi said the interception demonstrated the Authority’s ongoing vigilance amid summit operations.

The BMA’s executive teams, led by Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, remain on the ground supporting operations at OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Force Base.