The Border Management Authority (BMA), a new agency established to secure South Africa’s borders and facilitate trade and tourism, has reported several successes in its first year of operation. Among the achievements, the BMA has prevented over 440 children from being trafficked into South Africa from Zimbabwe, according to its commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.
Dr Masiapato said that the BMA intercepted the children at various ports of entry, such as Beitbridge, Musina, and Lebombo, and handed them over to the relevant authorities for protection and repatriation. He said that the BMA works closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Social Development, to combat human smuggling and trafficking.
He also said that the BMA intercepted 279 high value stolen vehicles which were being shipped across the border, as well as 396 blasting cartridges used for cash-in-transit robberies. He said that these operations were part of the BMA’s mandate to counter illicit trade and protect the country’s economy and security.
The BMA is the third armed service in South Africa, after the South African National Defence Force and the SAPS1. It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area. It has a staff complement of about 15,000 officers, who are trained in various disciplines, such as immigration, customs, agriculture, environment, health, and security.
Dr Masiapato said that the BMA aims to achieve three critical goals: secure borders, safe travel, and trade facilitation. He said that the BMA is committed to enhancing tourism, promoting regional integration, and fostering good relations with neighbouring countries. He also said that the BMA is constantly improving its systems, processes, and technology to ensure efficient and effective border management.
He thanked the government, the parliament, and the public for their support and cooperation in the establishment and functioning of the BMA. He said that the BMA is proud to serve the nation and contribute to its development and prosperity.