The Border Management Authority (BMA) said it has adopted a zero-corruption tolerance stance warning its officials and risk-takers against any unlawful activities at the country’s ports of entry during the upcoming festive season.The agency has emphasised the need for a robust and integrated border management platform to protect national security, economic growth, and regional economic integration.BMA revealed its festive season plan, spanning from December 2024 to January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities. During this busy period, the country faces complex border-related challenges, including illegal immigration, cross-border crimes, and smuggling of illicit goods amongst others.The agency’s Assistant Commissioner Themba Dubazana has warned that anyone found to be on the wrong side of the law, would be severely dealt with and removed from our system. “Only this year, this year meaning from April to date we have dismissed about 7 employees who were found to be on the other side of the law.Currently about 43 of our officials are also going through the disciplinary processes.The cases are at different stages, and they have not yet been finalised.That is to show that we are serious about corruption,” said Dubazana who was speaking on YouFM Newshour. In addition, Dubazana expressed confidence that all the key interventions introduced by the BMA will bear fruits and deter criminals from attempting to leave or enter the country illegally.“Our focus will be the delivery of integrated, effective and efficient processes at the ports of entry, where only legitimate people and goods will be allowed to enter and exit South Africa,” explained the Assistant Commissioner. BMA has identified ten top ports of entry facilitating the most people include key international airports and land ports to neighbouring countries. “We have port of entry between Botswana and South Africa, two ports of entry there which is Groblers’ Bridge and swart Kopfontein.We requested the minister of Home Affairs to extend the operating hours at these ports of entry.The other one is between Mozambique and South Africa, which is Lebombo, Caledonspoort, Ficksburg land port, Beitbridge land port to Zimbabwe, and Maseru Bridge land ports to Lesotho, Cape Town International Airport in the Western Cape, Oshoek land port to Eswatini,” highlighted Dubazana. The BMA facilitates the legitimate movement of people and goods through 71 ports of entry, including 52 land ports, 10 international airports, and nine seaports.
