A new plan regarding South Africa’s border control was presented to parliament on Tuesday, November 23. According to reports, the country will initiate a new look Border Management Authority (BMA) in 2022.
The plan that was put forward indicated that BMA’s role would be to act as a single organisation that manages the movement of people and goods across the country’s borders, Business Tech reports. The authority will also act as a law enforcement agency, as it will look to curb fraud, corruption and other illegal activities.
BMA head Nakampe Michael Masiapato explained that their current system depends on several other departments including SARS, the SAPS, and the SANDF, however, with new authority, it will employ its own security to control and patrol the borders.
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The redevelopment of six of South Africa’s ports of entry includes Beitbridge (Zimbabwe) Lebombo (Mozambique) Oshoek (Eswatini) Kopfontein (Botswana) Maseru Bridge (Lesotho) and Ficksburg (Lesotho).
In the meantime, Democratic Alliance (DA) member of parliament Kobus Marais indicated that he will write to Defence Minister Thandi Modise requesting that an investigation take place regarding allegations of corruption and bribery at the Beitbridge border post, involving officers of the SANDF, IOL reported.
The #SANDF says it’s embarrassed by an exposé on TV showing soldiers involved in cross-border smuggling. It showed them accepting bribes at the Beitbridge Border Post. The SANDF says those involved will be punished. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/gRqb1JKNkc
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 18, 2021
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