Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya,Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH African border authorities have tightened screws on child smuggling syndicates, working closely with Zimbabwe and other neighbours to stop the illegal trafficking of minors.
The clampdown comes after several disturbing incidents where children were caught trying to cross the border without proper documentation.
During a recent review of second quarter operations, the country’s Border Management Authority (BMA) boss, Dr Micheal Masiapato, said officials are not taking chances when it comes to protecting kids.
“In this quarter, we intercepted 13 children across various ports. Five were unaccompanied and handed over to Social Development for further processing,” said Dr Masiapato. “The remaining eight were with parents but were refused entry for failing to meet travel requirements.”
He said the border crackdown is part of efforts to promote safe and lawful migration, especially after the world marked International Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July.
Dr Masiapato warned that children under alternative care must present a certified letter from the Provincial Head of Social Development. Without it, they won’t be allowed to leave.
“Parents travelling with children must show an unabridged birth certificate. If one parent is travelling alone, they must carry an affidavit from the other parent, a court order granting full custody or a death certificate,” he said.
“If both parents are deceased, approval must be obtained from the Director-General of Home Affairs for the child to travel with a relative or guardian.”
Even guardians and relatives must bring the child’s full birth certificate, consent affidavit, copies of the parents’ IDs or passports, and contact details.
Unaccompanied minors must present proof of consent from their parents or legal guardians. A court order is required where only one parent consents.
“These rules are about protecting the children and ensuring their travel is in their best interest,” said Dr Masiapato.
In the same quarter, the BMA processed over 8.5 million passengers at entry and exit points.
For full details, travellers are urged to visit the BMA website (www.bma.gov.za) or Home Affairs (www.dha.gov.za).
Bongani Ndlovu