South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has notched a significant achievement in its first year, successfully intercepting over 281,000 people attempting to enter the country illegally. This accomplishment coincides with the 30th anniversary of South African democracy.
BMA Commissioner Dr. Mike Masiapato highlighted the benefits of a centralized border management system during a media briefing. Previously, immigration, health, agriculture, and environmental checks were handled by multiple agencies. The BMA now takes full control at all ports of entry, with other departments retaining policy and legislative responsibilities. Collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues on access control due to BMA’s current capacity limitations.
Easter Influx Successfully Managed:
The BMA efficiently managed a 24% surge in traveler numbers during the recent Easter period, facilitating the entry of over 1.1 million travelers across 71 ports of entry.
@TheBMA_SA Commissioner, Dr Mike @masiapata says despite the reduction in the number of conveyancers ferrying illegal migrants, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000. At this point,… pic.twitter.com/AFSPrvIa18
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) April 14, 2024Interdictions and Enforcement Actions:
Operations during Easter saw the BMA intercept 3,841 individuals attempting illegal entry. Notably, there was a decrease in undocumented and unaccompanied minors. However, five children were intercepted at the Beitbridge port and subsequently handed over to social services for repatriation.
The BMA also cracked down on human trafficking, levying fines totaling R270,000 on bus companies found transporting illegal immigrants. Additionally, eight non-compliant meat consignments worth R9 million were denied entry at the Cape Town port.
@TheBMA_SA Commissioner, Dr Mike @masiapata says the BMA deployed additional 400 junior Border Guards at some critical land ports to assist in the critical role of sanitizing the border environment and ensure the uninterrupted facilitation of the legitimate movement of people and… pic.twitter.com/PkP0ZU5pDN
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) April 14, 2024Security and Public Health Measures:
BMA health specialists screened over 91,000 travelers for contagious diseases and seized various unauthorized medications and cosmetics. Working with the SAPS, the BMA apprehended 143 individuals for border-related offenses and illegal activities. Notably, one person was caught attempting to bribe an immigration officer with multiple passports.
Counterfeit Goods and Drug Seizures:
Joint operations with SAPS and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of contraband. This included over R3 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes, 573 units of counterfeit alcohol, and a large cache of fake clothing. Additionally, over R2.6 million worth of dagga (cannabis) was confiscated and destroyed.