Embracing a New Age of Border Management Under President Cyril Ramaphosa - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Embracing a New Age of Border Management Under President Cyril Ramaphosa

4 mins read
b o

South Africa has established the Border Management Authority (BMA) to address challenges in managing its borders and ports of entry. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the BMA aims to develop an integrated, efficient, and secure system that promotes national security and economic growth. The BMA’s launch addresses issues such as undocumented foreign nationals and border management inefficiencies that have enabled corruption and cross-border crime to flourish. The BMA will play a significant role in integrating border management initiatives in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and transform six ports of entry into one-stop-border-posts to enhance efficiency.

South Africa Tackles Border Challenges with the Border Management Authority

South Africa has encountered numerous obstacles in managing its borders and ports of entry. To tackle these difficulties and maintain positive relationships with neighboring nations, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has been established, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The BMA focuses on developing an integrated, efficient, and secure system that promotes both national security and economic growth.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms. Thandi Modise, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor, and other distinguished officials assembled at the Musina Show-Grounds in Limpopo for the BMA’s inauguration.

The BMA’s creation fulfills a long-standing pledge to develop a unified authority responsible for managing and securing South Africa’s borders. Well-managed and secure ports of entry will help the country prevent illegal import and export of goods, facilitate legal trade, and establish a more secure border to thwart illegal migration, human smuggling, and trafficking.

This is especially important as South Africa collaborates with other nations in the region and throughout the African continent to enhance intra-African trade. The BMA has been identified as a crucial component in tapping the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Addressing Border Challenges and Upholding Immigration Laws

South Africa’s immigration laws and regulations apply to foreign nationals seeking refuge or looking to live and work in the country. The BMA is responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations.

The BMA’s launch addresses numerous issues, including the growing number of undocumented foreign nationals entering South Africa, which exacerbates the nation’s social and economic problems.

Border management inefficiencies have enabled corruption and cross-border crime to flourish, damaging the economy. Furthermore, poor coordination and insufficient information-sharing between various management and enforcement authorities have left the country’s borders vulnerable.

The BMA is expected to offer a long-lasting solution to these structural challenges by consolidating roles, functions, and responsibilities within the broader law enforcement environment. It strives to address congestion, procedural delays, lengthy transit times, unpredictability, and high logistics costs.

The BMA has already made substantial progress. During a visit to the Beit Bridge Border Post, Presidents Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe agreed that the BMA’s establishment would be a vital tool for regional development.

BMA’s Regional Role and Future Initiatives

The BMA will play a significant role in integrating border management initiatives within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This will aid in eliminating various bureaucratic obstacles that impede trade, investment, and the movement of people across borders.

One of the BMA’s projects is the transformation of six ports of entry into one-stop-border-posts. This method will enhance efficiency at land border crossings by combining the stops necessary for processing exit and entry formalities.

In July, the BMA’s first border guards were stationed at vulnerable sections of the border line, including informal community crossing points. While the border guard will be responsible for border law enforcement functions, the South African National Defence Force will continue to safeguard and protect the border.

The BMA will serve as South Africa’s third armed service, following the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. It will perform border management operations within ports of entry and law enforcement areas.

The BMA’s establishment is being implemented gradually, with steps already taken to incorporate various relevant functions from different departments under the BMA’s purview. Implementation protocols have been signed with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service, and Defence Force to facilitate the BMA’s efforts.

As President Ramaphosa congratulated the BMA Commissioner and his two deputies, who formally received their ranks that day, he highlighted that well-managed and well-protected borders are essential to South Africa’s security and development. With the BMA’s inception, the country ushers in a new age of border management, setting the stage for a safer and more prosperous South Africa.

What is the Border Management Authority (BMA)?

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is a new entity established by South Africa to address challenges in managing its borders and ports of entry. Its aim is to develop an integrated, efficient, and secure system that promotes national security and economic growth.

Who leads the Border Management Authority?

The Border Management Authority is led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

What issues does the BMA address?

The BMA’s launch addresses issues such as undocumented foreign nationals, border management inefficiencies, corruption, cross-border crime, and poor coordination between various management and enforcement authorities.

What is the BMA’s responsibility?

The BMA is responsible for enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and regulations, preventing illegal import, and export of goods, facilitating legal trade, and establishing a more secure border to thwart illegal migration, human smuggling, and trafficking.

What is the BMA’s role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region?

The BMA will play a significant role in integrating border management initiatives within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It aims to eliminate various bureaucratic obstacles that impede trade, investment, and the movement of people across borders.

What is the BMA’s one-stop-border-posts initiative?

The BMA’s project is the transformation of six ports of entry into one-stop-border-posts to enhance efficiency at land border crossings by combining the stops necessary for processing exit and entry formalities.

What is the BMA’s future plan?

The BMA’s establishment is being implemented gradually, with steps already taken to incorporate various relevant functions from different departments under the BMA’s purview. Implementation protocols have been signed with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service, and Defence Force to facilitate the BMA’s efforts.

What is the BMA’s role in South Africa’s security and development?

Well-managed and well-protected borders are essential to South Africa’s security and development. With the BMA’s inception, the country ushers in a new age of border management, setting the stage for a safer and more prosperous South Africa.

Previous Story

Fostering Legal Education: 12th National Schools Moot Court Programme

Next Story

Tackling Crime in the Western Cape through Data-Driven Policing Strategies

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.