The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will co-chair the Eswatini–South Africa Steering Committee Meeting on Border Management.

This as the Commissioner is set to lead a high-level delegation to Thursday’s session.

“The meeting forms part of ongoing bilateral engagements between South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing the management of ports of entry shared by the two countries,” said the BMA.

A key focus of the session will be the implementation protocol of the Joint Action Plan, which was signed at the end of 2024.

The Joint Action Plan commits all entities operating at the ports of entry between South Africa and Eswatini to develop immediate, medium- and long-term measures to improve the facilitation and management of goods, travellers and vehicles across the border.

The BMA and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) signed the historic agreement with Eswatini to collectively address challenges faced in the border environment.

Through this cooperation, South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini are working towards a shared vision of modern, secure, and well-managed borders.

“The Bilateral Joint Action Plan further includes commitments to harmonise policy and procedures, strengthen joint planning, and optimise the deployment of resources to support efficient movements and trade facilitation.

“This engagement builds on significant progress already achieved through similar Joint Action Plans signed with the Republic of Mozambique in 2023 and with the Kingdom of Lesotho earlier this year, both of which have already resulted in notable improvements in border coordination and trade facilitation,” the BMA said.

The South African Revenue Services (SARS) delegation will be led by Beyers Theron, the Director for Customs.

The BMA and SARS said they are commited to deepening intergovernmental cooperation and strengthening the efficiency of border operations across all ports of entry.