South Africa's government has introduced new border security measures in response to ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and contraband smuggling.

Following a major drug bust at the Beitbridge border involving over R1 billion worth of contraband, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced stronger enforcement policies and the deployment of advanced technology, including facial recognition and electronic traveller verification systems, to tighten border control.

Civil society leaders, including Nkosikhona 'Phakel’umthakathi' Ndabandaba and Ngizwe Mchunu, who are mobilising anti-illegal immigration campaigns, have welcomed some of these government initiatives.

They emphasise that the planned June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country will be peaceful and without violence or looting, although achieving full compliance by that date is unlikely.Ndabandaba encouraged voluntary departures and called on African countries to coordinate the safe repatriation of their citizens.

While the government moves towards a more structured border management approach, challenges remain due to South Africa's historically porous borders and complex migration dynamics.