The man at the helm of the newly established Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Nakampe Masiapato, is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits him in securing the 4,772km borderline of South Africa. The BMA is currently incubated within the Department of Home Affairs but will be exiting that phase by 1 April 2023 - becoming an independent entity. The BMA has a current budget of R67m allowing for the recruitment of 200 border guards as part of the first cohort. In most cases, border guards will have come from other arms of law enforcement or have a military background. Commissioner Masiapato tells BizNews their actions will be targeted around preventing illegal border crossing, stock theft, stoping the flow of illicit goods, and ultimately contributing to a safer South Africa.
