Masiapato was speaking during the Border Management Conference held at Pretoria’s CSIR International Convention centre on 19 November. Building on the successes of last year’s conference, the BMA highlighted how technology, collaboration, and institutional reforms are reshaping the country’s border management environment to bolster national security, advance regional integration, and foster economic development.

Masiapato argued that South Africa’s borders had historically been operationally fragmented and underprioritised, resulting in systemic inefficiencies, grey areas of accountability and opportunities for corruption and criminal exploitation.

He emphasised that modern border management must be viewed as an integrated ecosystem, not only encompassing land ports of entry, but also maritime, aviation and borderland spaces. He pointed to ongoing efforts to introduce advanced non-intrusive inspection systems, improved surveillance tools, and digital platforms to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

While acknowledging progress, most notably the successful ‘time-study’ at the Oshoek Border Post (M17 corridor) which saw crossing times reduced from an average of 9 hours to just 20 minutes, Masiapato stressed that technology alone would not fix structural challenges, pointing out the need for ethical leadership, stronger internal controls, and a unified organisational culture across the Authority.

As such Masiapato outlined the five priorities set by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber to drive the BMA’s revitalisation of the South African border environment. These include the adoption of new digital technologies and tools, rethinking of business processes and operational models, improving customer experience, leveraging data analytics for decision making, and changing organisational culture and mindset.

Schreiber, for his part, took the conference as an opportunity to reflect on the practical challenges faced by the BMA and tangible progress made, since he and the Government of National Unity came into office, reminding attendees of the collective vision outlined during the 2024 conference: “to build secure borders for development through partnership and technological advancement.”

Schreiber emphasised that collaboration is not optional but fundamental to border reform. “Coordination with different stakeholders is embedded into the founding DNA of the BMA,” he said, adding that the Authority was created “to overcome the fragmentation that has long undermined efforts to improve border management processes,” adding: “The good news is that that spirit did not end when this institution was formed, it continues to grow and thrive as the BMA journeys towards its destination of implementing modern, efficient, and secure border management processes.”

Particularly notable was his insistence that the BMA’s work must remain grounded in real operational challenges. “Our job is not pontificating and have big theories and ideologies; we have to solve practical problems. How do we get our exports out of the country, how do we get critical imports into the country, how do we prevent illicit trade, how do we combat illegal immigration, these are practical real on-the-ground problems.”

Additionally, Schreiber highlighted the progress made on the legislative front. “Another critical step towards collaboration to strengthen border management came through the recent passage of the One-Stop Border Post bill by the National Assembly,” he said. The bill, he contended, “holds the key to taking our commitment to collaboration international and into the regional space.”

Parallel to the bill, the BMA is “advancing Public-Private Partnerships to physically rebuild border posts at Beitbridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge, and Ficksburg,” which he said are being “designed from the ground up for the latest technology.”

“These one-stop border posts have the potential to unlock enormous economic potential for our country and for our region,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber also emphasised the tangible progress made in terms of digital security, noting that the rollout of modern digital systems has become the cornerstone of South Africa’s immigration overhaul. “The BMA has used the last year to lay the foundation to automate, digitise, and secure South Africa’s immigration process. Let me say this, ladies and gentlemen, this is how we solve illegal immigration, this is how we do it.”

Schreiber took particular pride in the successful rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation’s (ETA’s) first phase at Cape Town and O R Tambo International Airports, calling the results “incredible.” To date over 10 000 ETA applications have been approved, he said, while “hundreds of applications have been rejected because the system is able to identify fraudulent passports and people using other people’s passports much more effectively than human eyes ever could.”

Schreiber stressed that the move to a biometric, AI-driven system marks a vital step forward: “Ladies and gentlemen, that is a revolution, that is the foundation of national security.”

Schreiber promised that, “we will make sure that no foreigner is ever again allowed into our country without providing us secure biometrics and critical information. It frankly boggles the mind that South Africa has for so long allowed people to come into our country without providing the same biometric information that South African citizens already provide to the population register.”

Both Schreiber and Masiapato assured those in attendance that the results of digital transformation are already visible, with Schreiber confirming a “66% increase in illegal border crossing interceptions.” While they acknowledged that the BMA continued to face “major funding constraints” and still requires physical capacity to complement technology, Schreiber insisted that the work being done “is proving to be a catalyst for progress, placing South Africa on a path towards a more secure, more efficient, and more development-orientated border operations.”

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Among those to address the conference was Milkor’s Daniel du Plessis, as well as Armscor’s Lea Peterson. They both presented a frank assessment of South Africa’s current capabilities, arguing that the scale of the challenge requires a combination of modern surveillance technologies, smarter procurement approaches, and enhanced operational integration across the border environment.

Du Plessis, Milkor’s Marketing and Communications Director, began by highlighting the immense scope of the Border Management Authority’s (BMA’s) mandate and the challenges it faces. He noted that that the BMA oversees some 71 ports of entry, of which 52 are border posts, 9 are sea ports, and 10 are international airports, notwithstanding the country’s 4800km land border and 2800km coastline. He pointed to South Africa’s vast maritime domain as an area of particular concern, noting that the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which spans “more than 1.5 million square kilometres,” is increasingly vulnerable to resource exploitation and expanding shipping routes. This, he argued, requires strengthened “maritime surveillance, maritime operational capabilities and response capabilities.”

Despite the BMA’s fiscal and personnel constraints, du Plessis commended the BMA’s performance to date: “The BMA has had a tremendous track record…of doing extremely good work with the available resources, both in terms of personnel and funding.” But he stressed that the scale of South Africa’s border security task exceeds the BMA’s current capacity. Drawing on international benchmarks, he noted that effective border protection “typically requires 3-5 personnel per 1km to patrol” in high-risk environments. Applied to South Africa, this suggests “a need for between 10 000 and 15 000 dedicated border personnel,” significantly above the BMA’s present staffing levels.

Du Plessis also identified equipment shortfalls as a major concern. Benchmarking against Europe, Asia and the US, du Plessis said that ideally South Africa would need to have “about 240 to 480 routine border units [vehicles]” and “100 to 150 armoured vehicles” for high-risk areas. Maritime capability, he added, would ideally involve “about 350 patrol craft and offshore vessels supplemented by 9-12 long endurance UAVs.” Current availability, he noted, is nowhere near this ideal.

While du Plessis placed a strong focus on the BMA’s various challenges, he emphasised that this assessment “is not a criticism,” but an honest reflection of its operational environment. “Current challenges are funding and staffing…it limits your day-to-day operations, limits the funding required for new technology, new equipment, and infrastructure upgrades…and limits the staff available for operations.”

Despite these challenges, du Plessis did point to a number of areas where significant progress has been made. These ranged from improved transit times at the Oshoek Border Post to the BMA’s “tremendous work in apprehending over 6 000 undocumented immigrants,” noting that while the “successes show potential they are still only the tip of the iceberg.” He said there is still a lot to be done.

Du Plessis argued that strategic investments in technology could significantly reduce undetected crossings and improve operational efficiency. Advanced unmanned systems, in particular hold significant potential for force-multiplying benefits, he argued, pointing to the Milkor 380 UAV as an example of the ideal asset required for persistent surveillance, given its “30 hours endurance, 4 000km range, and a multitude of different advanced sensors.”

“Using unmanned vehicles to overcome large areas of unmonitored land and maritime borders, with limited staff, could reduce undetected crossings by 50 percent,” du Plessis stated.

Like other industry representatives present, du Plessis called for greater collaboration with South Africa’s defence industry, noting that many of the required capabilities already exist locally. “We are exporting everything you need already to foreign countries, why not make use of this,” he said.

Moreover, he urged the adoption of public-private partnerships (PPPs), arguing that PPPs “supplement and add to the state’s capabilities” without replacing them. As an example, he proposed a pilot project for a “400 km Beitbridge security zone,” offering the use of a Milkor 380 UAV with the state only responsible for the running costs.

Procurement must become a strategic enabler

Lea Peterson, Business Enablement Projects Coordinator at Armscor, addressed the legal, technical, and operational considerations that underpin border-security procurement.

Using the recent adoption of body-worn cameras as an example, she noted that systems must meet stringent national requirements, ensuring that evidence is “handled securely, that is not altered and is auditable.” She described body-worn cameras as essential for both safety and transparency, adding that they are “foundational support for the BMA’s mandate.”

On technology acquisition more broadly, Peterson stressed that systems must be “legally sound, user friendly, and technically robust.” For drones, this includes “user controls, collision avoidance, and avoiding drifting.” She warned that funding shortages affect not just equipment, but also long-term compliance and operator performance. “We cannot swap the issue of funding for investment in equipment that makes the work of our officials easier,” she said.

The crux of her argument was that agencies, like the BMA, when approaching procurement, must think strategically. Procuring the right system, at the right price, is far more effective over the long term than buying for the sake of it. “Our commitment must be for strategic investment not just expenditure,” she emphasised. “Ineffective border technology leaves South Africa vulnerable to various illegal activities which directly erodes national security and costs the fiscus.”

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Speaking at the Border Management Conference and Expo 2024 at the CSIR International Convention Centre on Wednesday 13 November, Masiapato said the issue of border management remains one of the most critical subjects for any nation and in South Africa border management is not just about securing borders but also creating a framework that promotes national safety, economic activity, and a sustainable environment.

In an increasingly globalised economy, South Africa’s prosperity depends on its ability to connect with other nations. “Beyond security, our borders are key to South Africa’s economic prosperity as they facilitate trade and commerce,” Masiapato said.

“National security lies at the very heart of our mission statement as the BMA for the fact that we are playing a very critical role safeguarding our nation from threats such as terrorism, trafficking, organised crime, the smuggling of goods, and illegal migration. These kind of threats, if not mitigated, have the potential to destabilise communities, harm individuals, and undermine the integrity of the nation,” Masiapato told conference attendees.

He added that border security is an interagency matter, with the BMA a frontline entity while key government departments provide policy directives, for example the Department of Home Affairs (visas and immigration policy), Department of Agriculture (import/export directives), and Department of Health (screening directives) etc.

Other key pieces in the border management puzzle include the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, and South African Revenue Service. “By sharing information, resources, and expertise, we are able to respond more effectively to threats,” the Commissioner said, as each entity brings specialist knowledge to the table.

Regarding private industry, Masiapato said the role of the private sector cannot be underestimated as those working in logistics, supply chain management etc. bring valuable expertise to the table. “By fostering public-private partnerships we can enhance border security, improve efficiencies, and create systems that benefit trade and national security. We are actively seeking partnerships with technology firms, logistics firms etc. so we can enhance smart borders.”

The Commissioner gave an example of using iris scanning to pass through immigration control rather than using traditional passports (in 2004, the UK trialled its Iris Recognition Immigration System to provide automated clearance through UK immigration for certain frequent travellers, for example).

“As an advanced economy we must be able to move with speed and be trailblazer on the continent. Together we can create a framework where goods move efficiently, where goods move and business thrives. We can’t have trucks queuing for ten days,” Masiapato said. The BMA is working to speed up movement at points of entry, including working with neighbouring countries. At the Oshoek border crossing with Eswatini, the BMA synchronised processes and reduced waiting times for trucks from nine hours to ten minutes, Masiapato explained, saying long truck queues are a thing of the past.

“The complexity of border challenges means we must build strong alliances across government, the private sector, and international partners. Public-private partnerships represent a crucial component of our strategy for the future,” Masiapato said. The private sector can, with their expertise, resources and technology, help the BMA achieve its objectives. “Tech companies can help us with data analytics, border surveillance, risk assessment, faster and more efficient trade routes.”

“I therefore invite each one of you here today to join in our mission to seek to secure our borders,” Masiapato told conference attendees. “Together we can make South Africa’s borders a model for security, efficiency and sustainability.”

The importance of private sector collaboration was also emphasised by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who gave the keynote address at the Border Management Conference. He noted that public-private partnerships are envisioned for the redevelopment of six key land border posts.

“Businesses and industries play a critical role in bolstering the capabilities of the BMA. From logistics and transportation to security and technology, the private sector brings valuable expertise and resources that complement our efforts in managing South Africa’s borders effectively,” the Minister said.

“By working with logistics companies, for instance, we can more effectively monitor the movement of goods and manage the flow of trade, which helps reduce congestion and improves service delivery. Collaboration with security firms enables us to enhance surveillance, monitor high-risk areas, and respond quickly to incidents. Technology firms are also key players in this effort, helping us integrate digital solutions that make border processing faster and more secure.

“Advanced analytics, biometric verification, and real-time data sharing with private sector stakeholders will enable us to respond to threats more efficiently and enhance the accuracy of our documentation and immigration processes.

“By creating public-private partnerships, we will encourage the development of a border management framework that serves both public interests and private sector growth,” Schreiber said.

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Speaking at the Border Management Conference and Expo at the CSIR International Convention Centre on 13 November, Schreiber said South Africa’s immigration system, including its capacity to enforce border control and management, has not been spared from the effects of state capture and corruption.

Rising crime, the under-funding of law enforcement, prosecutorial challenges, and the rise of mafias and syndicates across society are also contributing to the assault against the rule of law, he said, but these are challenges that have to be conquered.

“On our journey to combat illegal immigration, restore the rule of law, and facilitate the economic growth and job creation that flows from secure and streamlined border management, we require a number of critical ingredients,” Schreiber said, with the BMA making meaningful strides.

“A little over a year since His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa formally launched the BMA on 5 October 2023, I am confident in saying today that the BMA is here to stay as the latest addition to South Africa’s arsenal in the fight to restore the rule of law.”

Schreiber highlighted some recent successes, with the BMA over the past two quarters apprehending over 36 000 undocumented, undesirable and inadmissible persons, seizing 249 fraudulent documents, confiscating counterfeit cigarettes worth over R22 million, counterfeit clothing worth over R4 million, recovering more than 1 100 stolen vehicle parts, and drugs with a street value of over R6 million.

Over the same period, the BMA screened over 2 million people, searched more than 108 000 trucks, processed over 12 000 flights and conducted 648 roadblocks around ports of entry – statistics which show the BMA no longer exists only on paper.

“These numbers should not make us complacent. Given how far we still are from fully capacitating the BMA, these numbers actually indicate the enormous scale of the challenges that confront us,” Schreiber said. “There is still much work to do to build a new, integrated organisational culture for the BMA that puts ethics above all else.”

Apart from this new culture, Schreiber believes the second key ingredient for the BMA’s success in the immediate term, is collaboration.

“At the moment, the Authority has only 2 700 out of the 11 000 officials it requires. In this context, it is crucial to leverage the strength of partnerships and cooperation,” Schreiber said.

Collaboration was exemplified recently through a two-day strategic alignment workshop between the BMA and the South African Revenue Service, which followed on the signed implementation protocol between the organisations.

“This collaboration has already yielded tangible improvements on the ground, including through an interim solution to the network challenges experienced by the movement control system,” Schreiber told the conference.

“The very founding of the BMA was an ode to the need for deeper cooperation and collaboration in the border environment. Instead of the fragmented system that previously split responsibilities among various different departments, the main reason for the BMA’s existence is to foster better coordination.”

Schreiber said this founding spirit of collaboration must now be taken forward to turn the vision of the One Stop Border Post Bill into a reality, including through the envisioned public-private partnerships to redevelop six key land border posts.

“To do so, the involvement of the private sector will be essential. Businesses and industries play a critical role in bolstering the capabilities of the BMA. From logistics and transportation to security and technology, the private sector brings valuable expertise and resources that complement our efforts in managing South Africa’s borders effectively. The BMA is committed to fostering partnerships with the private sector to leverage cutting-edge technology, streamline trade processes, and optimise operational efficiency.”

By working with logistics companies, for instance, the BMA can more effectively monitor the movement of goods and manage the flow of trade, which helps reduce congestion and improves service delivery.

“Collaboration with security firms enables us to enhance surveillance, monitor high-risk areas, and respond quickly to incidents,” Schreiber added.

Technology firms are also key players in this effort, helping the BMA integrate digital solutions that make border processing faster and more secure

“Advanced analytics, biometric verification, and real-time data sharing with private sector stakeholders will enable us to respond to threats more efficiently and enhance the accuracy of our documentation and immigration processes,” Schreiber said. “By creating public-private partnerships, we will encourage the development of a border management framework that serves both public interests and private sector growth.”

He said the third ingredient for success that the BMA embraces, is technology, which is a powerful force multiplier. For example, a single modern drone used by the BMA for surveillance of the border line will be able to effectively detect illegal crossings in a context where the Authority lacks the manpower it needs for surveillance. The use of body cameras can similarly make a major impact on ongoing efforts to combat corruption, Schrieber said.

“Importantly, as I have also repeatedly emphasised to the BMA management, all of this data will only be effective if it is integrated and analysed on an ongoing basis in order to guide decision-making. This is why the BMA’s plans for targeting centres are so important, because this is where data must be centralised and analysed to inform operational decisions.”

BMA improvements will be complemented by advances within the Department of Home Affairs, which aims to digitalise and streamline the immigration process.

“The development of a proud, ethical and risk-based institutional culture, a commitment to collaboration and cooperation, and an embrace of technological solutions and digital transformation can take both South Africa’s national security and economic development to new heights,” Schreiber said. “Our goal is to build a world class, integrated border law enforcement authority, partnering for a safe and prosperous South Africa. A deliberate focus on building a strong organisational culture, unlocking the benefits of partnership, and embracing technology, hold the key to turning this vision into reality.”

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Set to take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, this conference promises to gather key stakeholders from government, law enforcement, and the private sector to discuss strategies for enhancing border security while promoting economic growth.

The conference will commence at 08h30 with arrival and registration, followed by an opening address by Simphiwe Hamilton, the Programme Director, and a welcome by Milkor CEO Phuti Jackson Mampa. The keynote address will be delivered by the Honourable Leon Amos Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa, who will set the tone for discussions on the critical role of border management in national security.

Dr Michael Nakampe Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, will bring his considerable expertise in border management to discuss “The Role of Border Management in National Security,” addressing threats such as terrorism and organised crime.

The agenda features a diverse lineup of sessions focused on pressing issues related to border management. For the morning session, Ratilal Rowji, CEO of Global Command & Control Technologies, will present on integrated command and control technologies that enhance border patrol and surveillance, and Willem Else from the Institute for Security Studies will discuss the real threat to cross border terrorism in South Africa.

The focus will then shift to a look at Cross-Border Trade and Economic Growth with sessions on immigration anti-corruption and ethical challenges in African border management. Notable speakers include Advocate Andy Mothibi from the Special Investigating Unit and a panel featuring experts from various sectors discussing trade facilitation within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The afternoon sessions will delve into cybersecurity threats and strategies for safeguarding critical technology infrastructure. Armand Kruger, Head of Cybersecurity at NEC XON, will lead a discussion on securing vital systems against emerging cyber threats. This will be followed by a panel focusing on combating financial crimes in the digital age.

A significant portion of the conference will address human trafficking and smuggling issues, with a presentation by Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), emphasising law enforcement strategies and regional cooperation.

Isaac Motale from Lerumo will look at how private sector collaboration with government can improve efficiency and security in border management (public-private partnerships), and a panel discussion on evolving threats to national security will examine terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats, and the illicit flow of goods and people as well as the need for modernised border infrastructure, interagency coordination, and intelligence sharing.

The conference will conclude with a cocktail function, providing attendees with an opportunity to network and discuss collaborative efforts in border management. This event is expected to foster partnerships between public agencies and private sector players, enhancing overall efficiency and security at South Africa’s borders.

As South Africa grapples with evolving security challenges, the Border Management Conference and Expo stands as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. By addressing both security concerns and economic opportunities, this event aims to pave the way for more effective border management practices that balance national security with trade facilitation. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions that could shape the future landscape of border management in South Africa and beyond.

For enquiries or to register to attend the 2024 Border Management Conference, call 011 467 3341 or email admin@creativespacemedia.co.za

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