South Africa’s border control is getting a major tech upgrade this Easter weekend with the deployment of four high-powered drones and 40 body-worn cameras at key ports of entry.
The drones, among the most sophisticated on the global market, are equipped with night vision and thermal detection technology. Capable of locking onto heat signatures and tracking movement of people or vehicles, these AI-powered aerial vehicles can fly at speeds of up to 43 km/h. They’re also designed to function in GPS-deprived rural zones and even underground.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, said the new tools represent a significant leap in the country’s border management strategy. 
He noted that during a trial run of the drones over the festive season, attempted illegal crossings prevented by border authorities rose by 215%.
Starting today, the BMA is surveilling our borderline day and night using advanced drones flying as high as 7 000 meters at over 40km/h, equipped with night-vision, thermal detection and AI, while body cameras clamp down further on corruption. Digital transformation in action! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/uaHLJyXNeB
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) April 10, 2025
