Urgent funding required to bolster South Africa's Border Management Authority staff

The Standing Committee on Appropriations has raised alarm over the large number of vacancies at the Border Management Authority (BMA), warning that without urgent funding, South Africa’s borders remain vulnerable.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA’s approved organisational structure provides for 11 115 personnel.

However, only 2 566 positions have been filled, leaving 8 549 vacancies. The department told the committee that within the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the BMA requires the filling of 3 207 positions to begin aligning with the approved structure, a process that will require significant additional funding.

The briefing was led by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, and his deputy, Njabulo Nzuza.

Committee chairperson, Dr Mmusi Maimane, stressed that the shortfall must be urgently addressed.

“The integrity and sovereignty of our borders are of paramount importance. Currently, the Border Management Authority is underfunded by more than R 2.2 billion. Without the necessary tools, such as thermal scanners and modern policing technology, the authority is severely constrained in fulfilling its mandate. Addressing this funding shortfall is vital not only for national security but also to safeguard South Africa against illicit trade, tax evasion and the illegal movement of goods,” Maimane said.

The committee acknowledged that the BMA has achieved notable success with limited resources, pointing to the use of modern technology such as drones and vehicles. However, it said the lack of adequate tools of trade and insufficient funding remain critical barriers to its effectiveness.

The committee also expressed concern about the social and security risks associated with under-resourced border management.

It noted challenges such as the abuse of social services by undocumented immigrants and the risks posed by foreign prisoners seeking to exploit South Africa’s porous borders.

Another area of concern highlighted by the committee was the absence of prisoner exchange agreements with neighbouring countries, which it said compounds the risks already facing the BMA.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to support measures that will ensure the BMA is adequately funded and capacitated.

“The Border Management Authority must be equipped to carry out its mandate of protecting South Africa’s borders, enhancing national security and preserving the integrity of the state,” the committee concluded.

THE MERCURY