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BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
ONE YEAR OF THE BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
SECURING SOUTH AFRICA'S BORDERS FOR DEVELOPMENT
The mandate of the Border Management Authority (BMA) is to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across 71 ports of entry of which 52 are land, 10 are international airports, and nine are seaports.
The work of the BMA covers areas of:
• immigration
• port health
• environmental and agricultural biosecurity
This includes access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas. In safeguarding South Africa’s border communities, the BMA continues to intercept prohibited items and those involved in cross border crimes are apprehended. With the Authority having celebrated its first-year anniversary since being formal establishment on the 1st of April 2023 arrests, detections and seizures have been made within the Ports of Entry within the 10km radius of the ports along the vulnerable segments of the borderline.
Cross border crime prevention is done in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
On immigration related issues, since the deployment of border guards in 2022, more than 281 000 persons were refused entry into South Africa. Over 95 000 arrests were made for immigration related transgressions as well as general criminal related issues in the border law enforcement area. In general, law enforcement operations by the BMA and other entities in the border area have resulted in the seizure of over 300 stolen vehicles since the Border Guards were deployed.
LEADERSHIP PAR EXCELLENCE IN BORDER MANAGEMENT
The Border Management Authority is made up of a formidable team led by Dr. Michael Masiapato as the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and supported by two Deputy Commissioners, Maj Gen (rtd) David Chilembe who is in charge of Operations, and Mrs Jane Thupana who is in charge of Corporate Affairs. Commissioner Masiapato has been at the forefront of ensuring the integrity and security of the country's borders.
With his extensive experience in the justice, crime prevention, and security sectors, Dr. Masiapato has been instrumental in shaping policies and strategies to effectively manage the legitimate movement of people, goods, and services in and out of South Africa.
Extensive Experience and Expertise at the helm of the BMA
Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato’s journey in the public service spans over two decades during which he has worked in various capacities, including the police, defense intelligence, civilian intelligence structures, and the Financial Intel-ligence Centre. His diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced in securing the nation's borders.
Moreover, Dr. Masiapato holds two doctoral degrees - one in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg, and another in Philosophy from the University of the Witwatersrand. He also possesses a Master's degree in Public Management from the University of Pretoria, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in public administration and policy development.
As the Commissioner and CEO of the BMA, Dr. Masiapato has been responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Border Management Authority Act, which aims to establish an integrated and coordinated border management system in South Africa. Under his leadership, the BMA has been working towards streamlining border processes, enhancing security measures, and promoting collaboration among various government agencies involved in border management.
Collaboration and Partnerships
To effectively secure South Africa's borders, the importance of collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders, both domestically and internationally cannot be underestimated. The BMA has been actively engaged in fostering relationships with neighbouring countries, regional economic communities, and international organisations to share best practices, intelligence, and resources in border management. The BMA has also been working closely with other government agencies, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to border security.
Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Masiapato as the leader of BMA acknowledges that securing South Africa's borders is not without its challenges. The country's extensive coastline, porous land borders, and the ever-evolving tactics of transnational organised crime syndicates require constant adaptation and innovation in border management strategies. However, he remains optimistic about the opportunities presented by technological advancements and international cooperation.
The BMA has been exploring the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as biometric systems, automated border control gates, and data analytics to enhance border security and facilitate legitimate trade and travel. Moreover, Dr. Masiapato believes that strengthening regional integration and cooperation through platforms like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) can lead to more effective border management and security across the continent.
Conclusion:
Dr. Michael Masiapato's leadership and commitment in securing South Africa's borders have been instrumental in shaping the country's border management strategies and policies. His experience, ability, and collaborative approach have positioned him as a key figure in ensuring the integrity and security of the nation's borders. As the Commissioner and CEO of the Border Management Authority, Dr. Masiapato continues to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and adapt to the ever-changing challenges in border management. His dedication to preserving national security imperatives while helping legitimate trade and travel has been a testament to his commitment to serving the people of South Africa.
