Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says the creation of the Border Management Authority (BMA) represents a noteworthy stride in fostering safer communities, enhancing law enforcement, and promoting economic growth through increased trade with neighbouring countries.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, Ramaphosa stressed that well-managed and protected borders are crucial for national security and economic growth through increased trade with neighboring nations.
“Maintaining the integrity of our country’s borders is key if we are to realise the aspiration of every South African to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours.
“It is a daunting undertaking. Our land border is over 4 800 km long and is shared with six countries. We have 53 land ports of entry, 11 international airports and eight sea ports.
“The launch last week of the country’s first integrated, unified Border Management Authority (BMA) is therefore a milestone in the necessary effort to secure our borders,” Ramaphosa said.
The establishment of the BMA is a significant step towards safer communities, better law enforcement and the growth of our economy through greater trade with our neighbours. Ensuring our borders are well-managed and well-protected is key to the security and development of our… pic.twitter.com/A72NnvBihZ
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 9, 2023
He acknowledged the historical and contemporary challenges faced by South Africa’s borders, including illegal cross-border raids during the apartheid regime and issues related to immigration and labor exploitation.
President Ramaphosa told the nation that it then became the priority of the democratic government elected in 1994 to progressively reform the border management and migration regime, not just in the interests of economic growth and development, but also so that these reforms should reflect the broader values of the new state.
“The democratic government has worked to uphold the right of citizens to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers under international conventions.
“It also sought to deepen trade and investment between South Africa and other Southern African countries, and contribute to the political and economic integration of the African continent,” he said.
Ramaphosa highlighted the complexities of border management, including the involvement of numerous government departments and entities, which has led to fragmentation of efforts and a lack of accountability.
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This has made the country’s borders vulnerable and contributed to South Africa becoming a transit route for organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drugs, and other cross-border crimes.
The president also acknowledged concerns about illegal migration and anti-foreigner sentiment but stressed the need to ensure the integrity of the country’s borders and adherence to immigration regulations and laws.
The Border Management Authority has been established to enforce immigration laws, protect borders, and manage ports of entry. It is now South Africa’s third armed service after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The BMA’s border guards were deployed in July, primarily focusing on border law enforcement and access control, while the SANDF remains responsible for border protection.
The BMA aims to prevent illegal imports and exports, combat illegal migration and human smuggling, and address cross-border crime by integrating various border management functions across different agencies and departments.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
