Picture: BMA officials during parade/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Jane Mananiso said three key issues such as border management and security, the renewal of the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the Madlanga Commission and the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through improved forensic services and access to rape kits have dominated the work of the Select Committee on Security and Justice in recent months. Mananiso said the Border Management and Border Security Border security remains a national priority as South Africa strengthens its response to organised crime, illegal migration, human trafficking, smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality.
She further said the Border Management Authority (BMA) has committed to intensifying border law enforcement through 158 risk-based operations during the 2026/27 financial year. Mananiso added that these operations will focus on intelligence-led interventions and closer cooperation with the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The BMA has also committed to maintaining the detection and refusal of inadmissible persons at ports of entry and ensuring the apprehension and deportation of individuals who are unlawfully in the country.
“The committee welcomes the BMA’s efforts to modernise border management through the use of surveillance technology, drones, body-worn cameras, improved immigration verification systems and stronger access controls at ports of entry. These measures are essential in reducing opportunities for corruption, improving operational efficiency and strengthening the state’s ability to manage its borders effectively,” she said.
Mananiso said at the same time, they remain concerned about capacity constraints within the BMA. She said the committee has called for increased funding, the urgent filling of vacancies, stronger anti-corruption measures and enhanced cooperation between the BMA, SAPS, municipalities and traditional leaders in border communities.
“The committee recognises that South Africa, as a constitutional democracy and signatory to international conventions, has obligations towards refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. These obligations, however, must be balanced against the state’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law, safeguard national security and ensure orderly migration.
“While those with legitimate claims to protection must be treated fairly and afforded due process, those who enter or remain in the country unlawfully must be dealt with in accordance with South African law,” said Mananiso.
She said illegal migration places significant pressure on public services, law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system. Mananiso said it also creates opportunities for criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking, document fraud, illicit trade and cross-border smuggling.
“In this regard, the One-Stop Border Post Bill, currently before the Select Committee on Security and Justice, represents an important legislative intervention. The Bill seeks to improve cooperation with neighbouring countries through jointly managed border posts, integrated control zones and improved information-sharing mechanisms.
“By reducing duplication, strengthening coordinated border enforcement and improving the movement of people and goods across borders, the legislation has the potential to enhance security while supporting trade and regional integration,” she said.
The Guardian 