Major Strides in Securing South Africa’s Borders Under BMA Reforms

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) congratulates Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, for his tremendous leadership and the outstanding achievements made by the Border Management Authority (BMA) in the 2024/2025 festive season.

Under his stewardship, we have seen real and tangible improvements in the management of South Africa’s ports of entry, with groundbreaking results in preventing illegal border crossings and enhancing border security.

Minister Schreiber’s commitment to reforming the Department of Home Affairs and the BMA has been proven to be a game-changer. With the implementation of new technologies like drones and body cameras, the BMA has demonstrated the power of digital transformation in securing and safeguarding our borders.

These efforts have resulted in a staggering 215% increase in successful interceptions of illegal border crossings, preventing tens of thousands of undocumented individuals from entering the country unlawfully.

The pilot program deploying drones across key border posts has been particularly successful, increasing real-time monitoring and rapid responses to illegal activities. This has not only led to the detection of over 2 100 illegal border crossings but also the sealing of over 2 300 breaches in the border fence, a clear indication that technology is playing a pivotal role in the protection of our borders.

In addition, the BMA’s success in efficiently processing over 5 million travellers during the festive season is a testament to Minister Schreiber’s focus on improving both security and efficiency. We commend the BMA for their work, and for ensuring that South Africa’s borders are better equipped to handle high volumes of cross-border movement.

The DA is proud to see that Minister Schreiber’s reforms are already yielding impressive results. These reforms are not just about border security—they are about ensuring that our borders are managed in a way that is both secure and efficient, while improving the lives of South Africans and ensuring that we protect our sovereignty.

While there is still work to be done, the progress made during the 2024/2025 festive season has laid a strong foundation for future success. The DA is confident that Dr. Schreiber’s continued efforts will continue to build on this success, bringing the reforms needed to fully modernise and digitise South Africa’s border management system.

Regards

Adrian Roos MP
DA Spokesperson on Home Affairs