BMA plans to strengthen border security
The government has introduced a new approach to manage its ports after reports of crimes happening because of the weak security in the country’s border.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) no longer will be a Branch of the Department of Home Affairs, signaling the new way the country is managing our ports .
The BMA is now the single command structure at all Ports Of Entry. This means that traveller queries can be addressed much faster than before and trade is facilitated.
The BMA was a special branch under the Department of Home Affairs and is a collaboration of multiple government departments, including the South African Police and Defense Force since its launch in July last year.
The BMA is responsible for enforcing border laws and guarding the country’s ports.
The Freedom Ports Alliance (FPA), which is responsible for airline and airport safety, welcomed this new approach. FPA said that stronger border management and a combined approach are necessary to combat human trafficking and build safe airport communities.
According to Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, “This new approach to manage our ports will ensure that we have stronger border control and keep our citizens safe.”
Minister Motsoaledi, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee on Border Management, recently conducted an oversight visit at the OR Tambo International Airport as the Border Management Agency becomes a standalone Schedule 3 (A) entity responsible for the management of the South African border.