Political parties support increased funding for Border Management Authority
Image: Border Management Authority
Political parties have thrown their weight for the Border Management Authority (BMA) to get more funding in order to carry out its mandate.
The entity made a case before the parliamentary Committees on Appropriations about its underfunding since its establishment in 2023.
Home Affairs portfolio committee chairperson, Mosa Chabane, said they have been grappling with the underfunding of the BMA over the last three financial years.
'We have grappled with calls for more funding given the task the BMA has been given and that it has to respond to the challenges that South Africans and all of us MPs have been raising around porous borders,' he said.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Chabane said the entity was saddled with capacity issues in terms of technology and the high vacancy rate.
Home Affairs deputy minister, Njabulo Nzuza, said they have prepared business case for more funding to relevant platforms but were struggling with issues of funding.
He said the funding to the BMA would yield returns.
'If we fund the BMA sufficiently and have control of the borders that will mean higher returns for SARS in terms of revenue collection and will result in economic growth. It is not just a plea for money, but a plea for resources to turn the situation around,' Nzuza said.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato painted a picture of BMA in dire need for financial injection if it was to carry out its mandate.
Masiapato said their mandate was to deal with border law enforcement and deal with movement of goods and persons.
He said there were issues around staffing and financing.
'What is missing is the conventional law enforcement done by SAPS border police.'
Masiapato explained that they required a staff complement of 4000 and R2.2 billion to man the borderline but they have only 600 border guards.
He said the request for adequate funding has not yielded the result as they received far less than they requested.
Masiapato also said they had required R2.9 billion but were promised R250 million which turned out to be for the maintenance of infrastructure when it was allocated.
'We remain grossly underfunded.'
He added that although they had asked for R500m from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account, they were allocated R150m for tools of trade.
The entity has made another request for R4.3 billion in additional resources and are waiting for a response.
Masiapato told the MPs that their approved structure provided for 11 000 posts but only 2600 were filled.
'We say despite people who came from departments, we need some investment to build the baseline for staff,' he said, adding that they needed R500m at least.
He told of staff shortages in ICT, finance, specialist in agriculture and health posts.
'We have presence in 36 ports of entry in terms of health officials,' he said.
Masiapato also said in terms of law people entering the 71 ports of entry in the country, they should be assessed and screened for diseases.
'People enter without being assessed.'
He told the MPs that the BMA has R4.3 billion overdraft.
Parties from across the political divide pledged their support to increased funding of the BMA.
Chairperson of the Appropriations Standing Committee, Mmusi Maimane, said they were guided by the Money Bills and that they will look at the budget of the Home affairs departments and other departments.
He stated that any amendment they make to the budget was to be made on the basis of the fiscal framework that was tabled.
Maimane also said since the budget for 2025/26 were due for approval next, the BMA case would be considered in the next Medium Term Expenditure Framework to be tabled later this year.
'The programmes of the BMA can't be understated,' he said, adding that things the BMA required adequate funding.
He also said they will request the Parliamentary Budget Office to make a presentation and the National Treasury would be engaged on the matter.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Point of view: why the Fair Pay Bill could transform recruitment practices in South Africa
The Fair Pay Bill aims to revolutionise recruitment in South Africa by prohibiting employers from asking for salary history, promoting transparency and equity in pay practices. This article explores the implications of the Bill for job seekers and employers alike. Have you ever been asked to submit your payslip by a prospective employer, before you've even sat down for the interview? For many South Africans, it's a routine (and often frustrating) part of the job search. But that could soon change. The recently tabled Fair Pay Bill aims to put an end to this outdated practice and usher in a more equitable era of recruitment. If passed, it would prohibit employers from requesting your current or previous salary history and instead require them to be upfront about what they're willing to pay. In short, transparency becomes the rule, not the exception. According to Norma Mazibuko, partner, and Amandla Makhongwana, senior associate at Bowmans South Africa: 'This is a game-changer for both employers and job seekers and, if passed, is set to reshape recruitment, pay practices, and workplace culture across the country.' That statement isn't just hopeful, it's a challenge to long-standing hiring norms. Mazibuko and Makhongwana say South Africa isn't alone in rethinking how pay is structured. The European Union's Pay Transparency Directive is set for roll-out by June 2026, while several US states have already banned questions about salary history. The trend is clear: the world is moving towards fairer pay, and we'd be wise not to be left behind. What's powerful about the Fair Pay Bill is its emphasis on the root causes of inequality. Historically, linking new salaries to previous ones has trapped many, especially women, the youth, and people from marginalised communities, in a cycle of underpayment. Start low, stay low. If each new offer is based on an already disadvantaged benchmark, how do you ever break the cycle? And yet, in many HR departments across the country, this remains standard practice. Some would argue that knowing a candidate's pay history helps assess market value or avoid overspending. Yet this line of thinking contradicts the spirit of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (EEA), and does little to close pay gaps. As Mazibuko and Makhongwana point out, the Bill 'is in line with this growing movement towards increased pay transparency.' It also reframes the conversation entirely: instead of asking what you used to earn, employers are being nudged to ask, what is this role worth, and what can this person bring to it? And merit-based pay? It thrives under this model because decisions are no longer anchored to arbitrary past figures but built around skills, potential, and responsibility. Key Highlights of the Bill: No more salary history questions: Employers may only consider past pay if a formal offer has already been made and the candidate initiates the disclosure. Pay ranges must be advertised: Vague terms like 'market-related' will no longer cut it. Candidates will know upfront what the job is worth. Transparent communication: Employees will be able to discuss pay openly, breaking down taboos and secrecy. Documented pay structures: Employers will need clear records of salary bands and justifications for pay decisions. It's not just about compliance. It's about modernising how we talk about pay and fairness. As employment law experts at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) notes, the EEA 'aims to eliminate unfair discrimination and implement policies that correct historical disadvantages experienced by black people, women, and people with disabilities.' Yes, some employers may face new challenges: assessing value in specialised sectors without historic anchors, or losing the upper hand in salary negotiations. But perhaps it's time we stopped treating equity as a burden and started seeing it as an investment. Another promising ripple effect of the Bill is how it subtly intersects with broader conversations about the difference between minimum wage and a living wage. Is a legally defined minimum enough to cover housing, food, transport, and school fees? Or should we reframe wage structures entirely to reflect dignity and sustainability? The Fair Pay Bill invites employers and policymakers to ask these deeper questions. If enacted, this Bill will be more than legislative housekeeping. It will challenge the status quo, level the playing field, and build stronger trust between employers and the workforce. And in a country still working toward economic justice, that shift is not only overdue, it's necessary. * Maleke is the editor of Personal Finance. PERSONAL FINANCE
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Active citizens: Phakeng speaks out on threats to SA's democracy
Phakeng says all South Africans must embody the spirit of service and justice South Africans should take confront the many problems the country faces before it is too late, says former UCT vice-chancellor professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. Phakeng was speaking at Hope Restoration Ministries in Kempton Park on Friday. 'We have begun to take the unacceptable as a given, we drive around potholes as if they are normal parts of the road,' she said. 'People read about children falling into pit latrines or having to cross dams to go to school in the Eastern Cape and they just say 'shame' and move on with their day. That numbness is precisely how democracies die.' Phakeng said it is rare for democracies to die through dictatorships or military coups. 'Democracies die more effectively through apathy. They die when good people stop paying attention, they die when good people stop believing in their power to bring change. 'When good people look away, when good people trust bad people with responsibilities, that is how democracies die,' she said. How to honour Madiba Phakeng said each citizen should stand up for what is right in honour of Nelson Mandela. 'Madiba himself taught us to face reality head on no matter how uncomfortable it is. So, we must confront these ugly truths if we ever hope to change them,' she said. It is in your hands She said it is now time for South Africans to take charge of their destinies and stop depending on political figures to save the country. 'I know that given our challenges it is very easy to think that we have to wait for someone to save us. 'We are waiting for a bigger hero, a more ethical politician a new government, a new policy, a billionaire philanthropist, the UN, or a miracle from somewhere. 'But fellow brethren we must be honest there is no one who is coming to save us.' The solution is active citizenry Phakeng said the solution to South Africa's problems is in active citizenry. 'I submit to you that the answer is active citizenship, active citizenship means that ordinary people not only politicians or officials but all of us come forward and take responsibility for the wellbeing of our communities and our country. 'It means not waiting for someone else to save us but rolling up our sleeves and getting involved.' ALSO READ: Mandela Day: Food and community upliftments How to become an active citizen Phakeng said active citizenship means each citizen must lead by example. 'If all we do is criticise without lifting a finger to help, then that is not active citizenship, that is commentary and it does not change anything. 'Active citizenship does not mean taking the law into our hands in a distractive way. 'Active citizenship is not anarchy, it is not looting or vandalising community resources out of anger or frustration.' Phakeng said another way of being an active citizen is to report corruption to the authorities. Her remarks come at a time when the country prepares for a national dialogue next month. This dialogue will provide South Africans with an opportunity to express their frustrations with the challenges in the country and come up with solutions. NOW READ: The real national dialogue has begun
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Roland Schoeman accuses Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC of looting 'a trillion rand' in scathing tweet
South African Olympic gold medallist Roland Schoeman has ignited a storm of political controversy, this time accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of looting 'over a trillion rand' – a claim that drew mixed reactions from South Africans across the political spectrum. The 45-year-old swimming icon, who won gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens in the 4x100m freestyle relay and has since become a prominent online political commentator, took to social media following Ramaphosa's latest address to Parliament, writing on X (formerly Twitter): 'Imagine where the country would be if you and your party didn't steal over a trillion rand.' The post, which quickly gained traction, triggered a polarising response – some users applauded his bluntness, while others condemned his remarks as simplistic, racially charged, or disconnected from South Africa's broader social and economic realities. While many users on social media agreed with Schoeman's anti-corruption message, others challenged his narrative, pointing out issues of historic inequality, white privilege, and deep-rooted systemic dysfunction that go beyond a single administration. @hopeinbetween replied: 'If they can stop pleasing whiteness, we could be in an even better and stronger position as a country!' @Vincent62343509 added: 'They allowed population growth to spiral with poor border control… compared to our economic growth, that's unsustainable.' Others were more scathing: @HumanOpinion1 wrote: 'Imagine trying to sell 'progress' after looting a trillion rand. That's like bragging about patching one pothole after burning down the whole highway.' The comment section revealed that, while frustration over corruption is shared across racial and political lines, Schoeman's tone and framing drew accusations of bias and oversimplification. Over the years, the swimmer-turned-commentator has regularly spoken out on issues including farm murders, racial identity politics, and EFF leader Julius Malema, once applauding the UK's decision to reject Malema's visa application. His use of terms like 'civilised nations' and support for greater US influence in South African affairs has also raised eyebrows, with some accusing him of promoting neocolonial sentiment. The Presidency has not responded directly to Schoeman's post, although the ANC has in the past dismissed similar public accusations as 'uninformed and populist'. Ramaphosa himself has consistently defended his administration's anti-corruption efforts, pointing to the Zondo Commission, reforms at SARS, and crackdowns on public sector fraud. Political analysts say Schoeman's remarks underscore a growing culture of online populism, where celebrities and influencers can shape national debate – often without accountability. 'Roland taps into a very real frustration many South Africans feel,' said political analyst Thami Ndlovu. 'But attributing all of South Africa's challenges to theft alone ignores the layers of complexity in our economy and society.' Others argue that voices like Schoeman's – while provocative – are reflective of a leadership vacuum and widespread disillusionment with post-apartheid governance. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
