The Border Management Authority (BMA) has welcomed additional funding announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, saying the support will help strengthen its operational capacity to secure South Africa’s borders, protect national security and manage the movement of people and goods.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato described the announcement in the 2026/27 Adjustments Budget and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement as an important step towards equipping the authority to respond to increasing demands at the country’s ports of entry and along its borders.

The funding comes as border management remains central to government efforts to combat illegal migration, safeguard national security and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.

For travellers, businesses and communities living near South Africa’s borders, effective border management is essential to ensuring that people and goods move lawfully while authorities respond to illegal activities.

However, the BMA says its ability to fulfil this responsibility depends on having adequate resources and operational capacity.

“We welcome the support announced by the Minister of Finance towards the capacitation of the Border Management Authority,” Masiapato said.

“This is an important recognition of the strategic role that the BMA plays in safeguarding our country’s borders, protecting national security and facilitating legitimate movement across our ports of entry.”

The commissioner said strengthening the authority was necessary to develop an integrated and intelligence-led border management system.

He added that additional resources were critical to improving operational capabilities and responding to the demands placed on ports of entry and the broader border law enforcement environment.

The funding announcement also signals government recognition of the importance of strengthening frontline institutions responsible for managing the country’s borders.

The BMA is mandated to coordinate border law enforcement and support the security of South Africa’s ports of entry, while facilitating the lawful movement of people and goods.

Its responsibilities place it at the intersection of national security, immigration control and economic activity, with effective border operations needed to support both security and legitimate cross-border movement.

The authority said the funding support would contribute to efforts to build state capacity and strengthen its ability to execute its mandate.

Schreiber’s advocacy acknowledged

Masiapato also expressed appreciation to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber for his continued efforts to secure additional resources for the authority.

The BMA said Schreiber had consistently advocated for increased capacity to strengthen its operations, describing Godongwana’s announcement as an important step towards realising those efforts.

Adequate resources are particularly important for an authority expected to respond to complex border management challenges while ensuring that legitimate travellers and traders can use designated ports of entry.

The BMA said strengthening its capacity was essential to addressing the growing demands of integrated border law enforcement.

However, the announcement does not, in itself, specify the amount allocated to the authority, how the funding will be distributed or when the additional resources will become available.

Details of the allocation and the operational improvements it will support will be important in assessing the practical impact of the funding on border security.

Public urged to report illegal activities

Meanwhile, the BMA has urged members of the public to report suspected illegal activities as part of efforts to strengthen border security.

The authority encouraged people to share information through its reporting channels, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in identifying and addressing unlawful conduct.

Members of the public can report illegal activities by calling 0801 229 019 or submitting information through the BMA’s official website, www.bma.gov.za⁠.

The authority’s message to the public is: “If you see something, say something.”

While the funding announcement marks a positive development for the BMA, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on how the additional resources translate into stronger operational capabilities, improved border management and the authority’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.

For the government, the challenge will be to ensure that the financial support produces measurable improvements in protecting South Africa’s borders while maintaining the efficient movement of legitimate travellers and trade.