Limpopo government launch Boarder Management Authority

LIMPOPO – Limpopo Provincial Government celebrated a historic moment on October 5 when President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa launched the Border Management Authority (BMA) at the Musina showground.

This significant milestone marks a new era in ensuring the effective management and security of South African borders, safeguarding the nation’s interests, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Ramaphosa foregrounded the commitment to protect the people and the country by establishing a single authority integrated to secure the borders of the Republic of South Africa.

“The BMA is launched to fulfil a commitment made that we would protect our people and our country by establishing a single authority integrated to secure the borders of the republic. As South Africans, we seek to live in peace and harmony with our neighbours.”

He further highlighted the importance of a more secure border in curbing the movement of human trafficking, illegal goods and cross-border crime, as well as enforcing immigration laws.

He also acknowledged the high number of undocumented foreign nationals and the social and economic problems it has exacerbated, which led to the establishment of the authority.

The Commissioner for the Border Management Authority, Dr Nakampe Masiapato said the authority came into effect on April 1 this year as an autonomous schedule 3(A) public entity serving as the third law enforcement authority in South Africa.

The legal establishment of the BMA means that South Africa has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade facilitation.

The BMA was established in terms of the Border Management Authority Act which empowers it to integrate border law enforcement operations at ports of entry and it will be responsible for border law enforcement at all ports of entry.

According to Masiapato, BMA’s key functions will include immigration control, land transport safety, border infrastructure development and maintenance, access control and other border law enforcement functions assigned , transferred or delegated to it by organs of state.

Limpopo government sees the strategic location of Musina as holding immense importance in the context of border management. It serves as a gateway connecting South Africa to neighboring countries, fostering economic growth, and promoting regional integration.

MEC Seaparo Sekoati, who represented the premier, emphasised the importance of the authority: “Today marks a historic moment for our province and our nation. This authority will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective management and security of our borders, safeguarding our nation’s interests, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.”

Sekoati concluded by underpinning the positive impact of the authority, saying it will not only strengthen national security but also contribute to the growth and development of the province.

“As the province has identified Musina as a centre for economic development, we have here the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zones that will be the centre of economic development for our province too.

“The security provided by the BMA will add further to the potential growth this area will witness,” he added.