Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has welcomed the additional funding for the agency’s capacity announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday.
The Minister said government is considering measures to strengthen the capacity of border inspectors and immigration officers to address illegal migration.
“We welcome the support announced by the Minister of Finance towards the capacitation of the Border Management Authority. This is an important recognition of the strategic role that the BMA plays in safeguarding our country’s borders, protecting national security and facilitating legitimate movement across our ports of entry.
“Strengthening the Authority’s capacity is fundamental to building an effective, integrated and intelligence-led border management system. As the BMA continues to implement its mandate, adequate resources are critical to enhancing our operational capabilities and responding to the demands placed on our ports of entry and border law enforcement environment,” Masiapato stated.
The BMA noted that the Minister’s announcement is an important step to enhance the security of South Africa’s borders.
“The Minister’s announcement recognises the importance of building state capability and strengthening frontline institutions responsible for safeguarding national security, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, and addressing challenges associated with illegal migration.
“The capacitation of the BMA is essential to ensuring that the Authority is adequately equipped to respond to the growing demands of integrated border law enforcement. The BMA also expressed its appreciation to the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, for his continued advocacy for additional resources to strengthen the Authority’s capacity.
“This announcement marks an important step towards realising these efforts and ensuring that the BMA is better equipped to fulfil its mandate,” the BMA said. – SAnews.gov.za
