Government prepares to reopen land borders Posted by Anita Froneman on 10 February 2021 Government is planning to reopen South Africa’s land borders soon. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced earlier that the land borders will be closed until February 15. During a briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs on their preparations and readiness to open the Ports of Entry, acting commissioner Border Management Agency Gene Ravele said: ‘The decision to reopen the land borders rests solely with the National Coronavirus Command Council and the announcement should follow soon, we have been told. So, it is very critical from a point of view of border control and management that we are ready for this important task.’ In December and January, thousands of residents from neighbouring countries trying to enter South Africa were turned away from severely congested land border posts. ‘We have conducted a situational analysis and also looked at what happened in December and January and learned a few important lessons from that,’ Ravele said. The Agency laid out a proposed plan for the preparation of reopening: February 10: Home Affairs expect to have their ‘border reopening plans’ finalised. February 12: Final improvement of infrastructure at border posts to be completed, and confirmation of additional police support to be given. February 14: Installation of all hand sanitisation stations to be completed at 20 land crossings. It’s about this time the ports of entry could reopen. February 15: State of Disaster laws expire, but are likely to be renewed beforehand. Watch the full briefing: Also read: South Africa’s 20 land borders to close until February 15 Picture: Twitter/TheSoloWandera Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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