By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the influx of undocumented foreign nationals has added to many of the country’s social and economic problems.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the launch of the Border Management Authority in Musina on Thursday.
He said, deficiencies in border management have also enabled corruption and organised cross-border crime to thrive.
“We have faced a problem of fragmentation of powers, responsibility and accountability. Since 1994 the country’s border management has been exercised by different government departments and state agencies, often implementing their respective mandates in isolation.”
“A lack of coordination and adequate information-sharing between various management and enforcement authorities have rendered our borders vulnerable,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said a secure border is important for curbing illegal migration.
“It is important to curb human smuggling and trafficking. The Border Management Authority will help in combatting cross-border crime as well. That is why it has become an important arm of our security apparatus. The constitution of our country declares South Africa belongs to all who live in it.”
The BMA, which began work in April, brings together various government departments under one central command with the aim of protecting the country’s borders.
It has already promised to bring down the number of illegal immigrants entering the country within the next 12 months.
The Border Management Authority is tasked to ensure that the country’s immigration laws and regulations are upheld and enforced. The BMA was established in response to a number of serious challenges.
Ramaphosa also met with his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Beitbridge border post, the country’s busiest land port of entry.
The Beitbridge border is a key trade route for South Africa, with some of its neighbours in the north and some countries in the deeper part of the SADC region.
He said they agreed that the establishment of the Border Management Authority would be an important tool for the development of the region.
“It will form part of integrating border management activities in the SADC region as we implement the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
“We will be able to work towards eradicating various forms of red tape that are hindering trade, investment, and the movement of persons,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the BMA is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service.
“It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area.”
Ramaphosa said to enable its work, the BMA had signed implementation protocols with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service and SA National Defence Force.