Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was speaking after meeting his Zimbabwean counterpart at the Beit Bridge border ost.

Their meeting focused on plans to alleviate pressure on the bridge during the festive season.

"COVID-19 regulations still need to be followed," said Motsoaledi.

"For the first time in a December, with a large number of people going through the borders, we are going to be demanding COVID-19 certificates."

These measures are set to protect against the spread of COVID-19 while allowing people to be with their loved ones.

Many of those who can't obtain these required medical documents might be pushed to cross illegally.

"It's important to communicate with our people, we are going to up our communication," said Motsoaledi.

Motsoaledi also weighed in on the truck attacks in South Africa. 

He said the task team working to prevent truck attacks will make its interventions public once it has briefed the president on its plans.

eNCA