A man jumps from the border fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe – Photo: Flickr / Henk Kruger
A man jumps from the border fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe – Photo: Flickr / Henk Kruger
Following a number of complaints about South Africa’s border controls, President Ramaphosa has officially signed the Border Management Authority Bill of 2020 into law. The new rules have come into effect already, and there will be a huge shake-up in terms of how immigration is now managed in South Africa.
What is in the Border Management Authority Bill?
Smugglers are still entering into South Africa at several checkpoints, despite the lockdown rules. We’ve also seen the government waste R37 million on an inadequate border fence in Beitbridge. But, according to Ramaphosa’s office, the newly-introduced legislation will deliver a “well-coordinated border management service”:
“The legislation addresses a need identified by government and diverse stakeholders in the economy for an integrated and well-coordinated border management service that will ensure secure travel and legitimate trade in accordance with the Constitution and international and domestic law.”
Border control in South Africa – new laws explained
The government is optimistic that they can now push forward in securing our border controls, as South Africa looks to strengthen its operations. Here’s how the new laws will change what is already in place:
- Border control management departments will be streamlined
“The new Border Management Authority will, as an objective of the Act, replace the current challenge of different agencies and organs of government all playing different roles in managing aspects of border control.”
- Expect tighter controls at our border posts
“The integrated authority will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic and ensure effective and efficient border law enforcement functions at ports of entry and borders.”
- New names in senior positions will be announced
“The new law provides for the establishment, organisation, regulation, functions, and control of the Border Management Authority, the appointment of its Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners and officials. The law also provides for their terms of office, conditions of service and functions and powers.”
- New committees will decide on appeals and punishments for offenders
“Furthermore, the law provides for the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee, Border Technical Committee and advisory committees, for the review or appeal of decisions of officers, and the definition of certain things like offences and the levying of penalties.”
