Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the passing of the One Stop Border Post Bill to boost border security and trade. This is another step forward in our nation’s journey to transform border management from the legacy of porous borders and fragmentation to a system of coordination, efficiency, and integrity.
The One Stop Border Post Bill gives legislative effect to the international agreements needed to implement shared border control zones with our neighbouring states. It allows for a single, joint processing point, a “one-stop”, where travellers and cargo are inspected by both countries’ authorities at the same time, in one place.
This is not a theoretical concept; it’s a tested and globally recognised model that reduces waiting times, limits opportunities for corruption and smuggling, and enhances trade competitiveness.
In East Africa, the East African Community has demonstrated how effective border management can directly stimulate economic growth and job creation. Through the implementation of the Single Customs Territory and one-stop border posts, core elements of integrated border management, the region has achieved a surge of over 50% in intra-regional trade, unlocking new business opportunities across countries with vastly different income levels and laying a strong foundation for inclusive growth.
For a South African fruit exporter, a one-stop border post allows their perishable goods to clear both South African and Mozambican customs in hours, not days. This reduces refrigeration costs, ensures the produce arrives at market in perfect condition, and increases the competitiveness of local our farmers.
The experience of these regions shows that integrated border management is not just about security or administration, it is an enabler of economic expansion. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, have flourished by accessing wider markets, sourcing inputs more competitively, and growing their customer base.
This demonstrates how smart, cooperative border reforms can help achieve the Democratic Alliance’s apex priority, growing the economy and creating jobs.
Under Minister Schreiber’s leadership, the Department of Home Affairs has worked tirelessly to professionalise border management, strengthen biometric verification, and integrate Home Affairs systems with those of the BMA.
Already we are seeing the impact of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is being rolled out for G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico and is proving to dramatically speed up processing at border posts.
What we are seeing is not just better infrastructure, but a new border governance philosophy — one that prioritises accountability and service excellence. For too long, inefficiencies at our borders have cost South Africa billions in lost trade, delayed exports, and reputational damage. This Bill responds directly to those challenges.
The DA supports the OSBP Bill as a critical mechanism for streamlining cross-border trade and improving state capability at our points of entry. But we reiterate that for the BMA to succeed, the SAPS Border Police transfer must be completed urgently, and the Authority must receive adequate resourcing to sustain its new responsibilities.
Under the leadership of Minister Leon Schreiber, Home Affairs has not only stabilised the Border Management Authority, but has set a clear vision for modern, secure, and development-oriented borders.
Regards
Adrian Roos MP
DA Spokesperson on Home Affairs