The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapto, gave a brief update on PPPs in border management at the Public-Private Partnerships for Defence & Security conference, hosted by the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD) and defenceWeb on 07 March 2025.

The necessity for PPPs in border management arose from several pressing issues. Inefficient border management has significant economic implications, contributing to the expansion of illicit economies while hindering formal economic growth. Uncontrolled migration and cross-border criminal activities, including human trafficking, vehicle smuggling, and narcotics trade, have further exacerbated security concerns.

Given the financial constraints faced by the government, private sector involvement is essential in funding and implementing advanced technological solutions, improving surveillance capabilities, and upgrading infrastructure. Commissioner Masiapato noted that a well-managed border system supports trade facilitation, regional economic integration, and national security.

A significant PPP initiative has been underway since 2014, aimed at redesigning and redeveloping six major commercial ports of entry: Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg, Oshoek, and Kopfontein. This project, initially managed by the Department of Home Affairs before the establishment of the BMA, sought to transition border posts from security-focused facilities to trade-enabling hubs.

After years of feasibility studies and bureaucratic delays, the evaluation process for bidders began in late 2023, with negotiations and final approvals expected to be completed in 2024. The plan involved phased construction to ensure continuous operations while upgrading infrastructure. To mitigate risk, the bidding process has been structured to prevent any single entity from monopolising multiple large ports.

One key lesson from this process has been the importance of stakeholder co-ordination, noted Masiapato. The success of PPPs in border management relies on cooperation among various government entities, neighbouring countries, and private sector partners. Failure to engage all relevant stakeholders can result in delays and inefficiencies.

Proper project scoping is also critical. Masiapato stated that a comprehensive PPP approach should integrate infrastructure development, technological advancements, and operational improvements. In this case, additional security measures such as fencing and surveillance technology were not initially included, highlighting the need for holistic planning.

Beyond the current projects, Masiapato revealed that future PPP opportunities exist in further modernising the remaining 52 ports of entry. Investments in smart border technologies, including biometric identification, automated processing systems, and surveillance drones, will enhance efficiency and security.

The establishment of a National Targeting Centre, which will consolidate data from various security agencies, has presented another area for private sector collaboration. Additionally, developing staff accommodations at border posts will reduce operational costs and improve personnel efficiency, said Masiapato

Masiapato argued that Public-private partnerships are vital for strengthening border management in South Africa. By leveraging private sector resources and expertise, the government can enhance security, facilitate trade, and address economic challenges associated with illicit cross-border activities. Moving forward, Masiapato believes improved coordination, comprehensive project planning, and technological integration will be key to maximising the effectiveness of PPPs in border security.

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“We are pleased to announce that the floodwaters have now subsided, allowing for an assessment of the port infrastructure,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato said a thorough inspection was conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

According to Masiapato, following the assessment conducted at the port of entry, a comprehensive project plan has been developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.

The key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damages to the port infrastructure. Water quality tests will also need to be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for operations.

Masiapato said water underground will need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.

“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete.

“Upon completion of these activities, the Groblers Bridge port of entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said.

The BMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of all ports of entry, recognising their importance in enabling economic activity and connectivity.

Masiapato said the BMA is in continuous engagement with its counterparts in Botswana at all times on these matters and further updates will be provided as progress is made.

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BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the interception as a testament to the success of South Africa’s integrated border management strategy, which was recently strengthened by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Interpol. The MOU, signed in Pretoria last Thursday by Masiapato and Brigadier Ntime Mokhine, Executive Director of Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Pretoria, aims to reinforce South Africa’s commitment to enhancing port security and collaborating with international law enforcement agencies.

The suspect, initially intercepted in Turkiye while traveling on a fraudulent Israeli passport, was returned to South Africa on 8 November 2024. Although he claimed to be an Israeli national, BMA officials, noting his German accent, confirmed through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation that he was not Israeli. Further investigation revealed that the man, who had been evading arrest for eight years on drug trafficking charges, was on Interpol’s Red List and had been living in Malawi under a false identity.

The suspect, who had travelled under both German and Israeli passports and is suspected of having stolen the Israeli identity, was arrested by Interpol and is now in custody awaiting extradition to Germany.

Dr Masiapato commended the professionalism and vigilance of the BMA officials involved in the operation, emphasizing that the interception highlights the critical role of the BMA in safeguarding South Africa’s borders and fighting transnational crime. He reiterated that the BMA remains committed to securing the country’s ports of entry against criminal activity, including human trafficking and other illegal practices.

The BMA also urged all travellers to adhere to immigration laws and security protocols to ensure the safe and lawful movement of people across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry.

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These protests, driven by political tensions, led to reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side of the border. While the border was initially closed to manage security risks, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that the situation had improved, with the Mozambican authorities restoring their systems to allow the resumption of processing activities at the KM 4 checkpoint. This marks a step toward the full reopening of the point of entry, which will also help clear the cargo backlog in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“The Mozambican systems have been restored, and processing activities have resumed on their side. This development enables the BMA and SARS to work diligently to clear the current backlog,” Masiapato said. The resumption of cargo processing through the Ressano Garcia port of entry into Mozambique follows concerted efforts by Mozambican authorities to resolve the issues with their systems, ensuring smoother border operations.

However, despite the resumption of cargo operations, the BMA continues to advise caution for travelers. Travelers have been warned to “remain cautious and stay informed of travel updates when planning trips to Mozambique,” Masiapato stressed, while also urging travelers to consider alternative ports, such as the Mananga port, which is located 60km from Lebombo. “We’ve advised travelers to use this port for passage into Eswatini, which will ultimately allow them to enter Mozambique safely.”

The BMA also emphasized that the partial reopening of the border was initially to allow Mozambicans to return home, with Masiapato noting “for the ordinary Mozambicans who say ‘I want to go back home’, we should not necessarily continue to refuse them to do so.” However, Mozambican authorities had further “worked tirelessly to address cargo systems for smooth border processing,” Masiapato noted, with the border now able to process cargo.

As for South African nationals, Masiapato confirmed that there have been no reports of South Africans being “under siege” on the Mozambican side. The primary concerns have been related to the movement of South African trucks, including six petroleum trucks, which were repatriated for safety reasons.

The BMA and SARS will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure smooth and secure border operations, with the goal of facilitating trade and travel in a safe manner. However, travelers are urged to remain cautious and stay informed of any updates when planning trips to Mozambique. The BMA has stated that further engagements with the Mozambican government will take place to determine the next steps for the border’s full reopening.

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A BMA statement has it the multiple passports – 32 Mozambican and two Angolan – along with bank notes were found on the suspect, whose nationality is not given. “A case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened and further investigations are underway to determine the origins of the passports,” according to the statement which terms the arrest “significant”.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato applauded the arrest, saying it is a message to “illegal facilitators who continue to undermine the border control system” adding the Authority will continue to “charge them criminally with aiding and abetting as prescribed by the Immigration Act”.

He praised the border guards as the frontline BMA troops for their attention to detail and commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s ports as “crucial” to ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and root out corruption.

“The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to secure the 71 ports of entry and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The BMA will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat cross-border crimes,” it said.

In addition to Masiapato’s men and women, deployed at or in the vicinity of South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, border control and protection is also delegated to the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). By way of Operation Corona this sees 14 companies deployed along South Africa’s 4 862 km of land border with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The SA Police Service (SAPS) also has a dedicated border police team.

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