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SPECIAL REPORT
South Africa’s Border Management Authority Dream Could be a Nightmare
Until recently, managing South Africa’s borders was the task of at least seven different government departments working at land, air and sea ports of entry. This proved taxing, particularly as movement in and out of South Africa continues to rise.
The new Border Management Authority (BMA) Act is meant to improve efficiencies by providing a single authority to oversee all aspects of the border environment. The law also requires coordination with other government bodies and border communities. In principle, the idea of more streamlined border management
Border Security Report | September/October 2020
that reduces corruption, prevents illicit trafficking and facilitates movement of people and goods is welcome. However the BMA alone won’t resolve these problems. It will be costly to the country, and places more responsibility on an already strained Department of Home Affairs. Before the BMA was established,
