Boarder Management Authority on Easter Weekend
As South Africans make plans for the upcoming Easter holidays, the Border Management Authority (BMA) is ramping up its preparations to handle the expected influx of people passing through the country’s borders. BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato detailed the authority’s comprehensive operational plan in a recent media briefing in Pretoria.
“The BMA is compelled to properly plan and execute a deliberate plan in order to ensure smooth and secure border operations during this period,” stated Masiapato, emphasizing the importance of the BMA’s role in maintaining both efficiency and security at this busy time.
With a critical need identified for increased resource deployment, the BMA is taking proactive measures to manage the anticipated surge in cross-border movement. Masiapato outlined that “As a reminder to all the stakeholders, the BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movements of persons and goods across all our 52 land ports of entry, 10 international airports and nine seaports.”
The BMA’s duties span across various functional areas including immigration, port health, biosecurity, as well as access control and general law enforcement at the ports and border areas. “During these facilitations, the BMA officials have to secure the ports environment against threats of illegal migration, smuggling, as well as trafficking of persons and goods,” Masiapato clarified.
In light of these challenges, comprehensive strategies have been formulated. “With this in mind, we have formulated comprehensive strategies and an operational plan to ensure that our deployments are responsive and ensure efficient port operations, with the requisite capability to deal with any security threats and/or risks, which may arise during the upcoming Easter period,” said Masiapato.
The efforts of the BMA will be bolstered by collaboration with other law enforcement agencies including SAPS, SARS, SANDF, the Cross Border Road Transport Agency, and traffic authorities.
“Since our establishment, the BMA has intensified its working relationship with the Immigration Inspectorate, which has the mandate to identify illegal migrants who are already in the country and ensure their processing for deportation to their respective countries,” added Masiapato.
An estimated one million people are projected to move through the country’s ports during the Easter weekend, with the turnout potentially even larger as the ZCC opens Moria for annual Easter pilgrimage for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak. “The numbers for this year’s Easter period could escalate further as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of our biggest churches in the region, is opening for the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria for the first time since COVID-19,” remarked Masiapato.
To manage the increased activity, the BMA has coordinated with neighboring nations to extend operating hours at critical ports of entry. Masiapato disclosed that “The BMA has engaged their counterparts in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana, and they have agreed to extending operating hours at certain critical ports, which do not usually operate on a 24-hours basis.”
This move has received the green light from Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs and chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee on Border Management, who approved the extended hours for selected ports.
________________________________________
Central News E-edition 045: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Sponsored Article : “Dukwana launches Free State Premiers Cup in Bloemfontein”
Download Here:
Read our latest publication on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues/
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #fscentralnews #nwcentralnews #gautengcentralnews
CENTRAL NEWS #centralnewslive #news #politics #centralnewsissue #business #northwest #freestate #gauteng #kzn #northerncape #mpumalanga #sports