Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the issue of “vulnerable” borders and the influx of undocumented foreign nationals during the official launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo.
Ramaphosa officially launched the Border Management Authority (BMA) on Thursday.
He noted that the deficiencies in border management have contributed to social and economic problems and enabled corruption and organised cross-border crime.
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of a secure border in curbing illegal migration and human smuggling.
“We have faced a problem of fragmentation of powers, responsibility and accountability. Since 1994 the country’s border management has been exercised by different government departments and state agencies, often implementing their respective mandates in isolation.
Launch of the Border Management Agency#SecuringOurBorders 🇿🇦 https://t.co/Qsq7vy14jw
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 5, 2023
“A lack of coordination and adequate information-sharing between various management and enforcement authorities have rendered our borders vulnerable,” Ramaphosa said.
The BMA is now the third armed service in South Africa, tasked with border management functions, and has signed implementation protocols with other government agencies to facilitate its work.
Ramaphosa also discussed improving trade and cooperation with neighbouring Zimbabwe to enhance the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
