By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Border guards are checking child travel papers closely this May to stop abuse and trafficking across South African border gates.
- Parents say the confusing document rules waste time, because families only find out what they need at the border posts.
Ntshadi Mothabeng feels anxious every time she travels with her son through the Telle border gate.
She says border guards check documents closely, leaving parents stressed out and worried.
“You just hope everything is correct, because if one paper is missing, it becomes a problem,” she said.
The strict checks hit travellers as the Border Management Authority (BMA) tightens security this May to mark Child Protection Month.
The campaign runs every year to raise awareness about the rights of children. Government departments and communities use the month to fight abuse, neglect and child trafficking networks.
Border officials are trained to track the movement of minors closely. They check travel papers to stop people from moving children unlawfully or without proper consent.
The BMA posted on X that stopping child abduction and exploitation remains a major focus for guards.
But travellers say the strict measures cause confusion and eat up time. Many parents do not understand the exact rules and face long delays at the gates.
The BMA has urged parents to learn the travel rules for minors to dodge complications.
Child protection organisations have joined the fight for stronger awareness. They say families often only discover the strict demands when they reach the border posts.
The BMA says its work forms part of a national push to keep children safe.
Authorities want communities to stay alert and report any suspicious activity involving children. Awareness campaigns will run across the country for the rest of May.
Mothabeng says she hopes travelling with children becomes less stressful, but stays safe.
Pictured above: Child Protection Month posters.
Image source: Supplied
