BMA vows tangible difference in illegal immigration over next 12 months

The BMA, which was launched in April, brings together various government departments under one central command with the aim of protecting the country's borders. 

The authority’s commissioner, Dr. Mike Masiapato, says South Africans will be able to see a tangible difference in a year’s time.

He spoke at a briefing organised by the National Press Club in Pretoria on Thursday.

"For that one, I can put my head on the block, and I am saying that in twelve months, people must see the difference."

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Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi appointed two hundred border guards in July 2022, who are stationed along the country's borders, to help assist the country in putting an end to crime. 

Since then, over 30,000 immigrants trying to enter the country have been arrested for trying to gain illegal entry into the country.

Masiapato said the agency has also denied the entry of at least 65,000 undesirable persons who are wanted for various crimes in their home countries.

"Some of those are people who were wanted by their respective jurisdictions for having committed any kind of crimes out there. Thus, we had to ensure that they are returned to their jurisdictions to face whatever they were supposed to."

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially launch the BMA in Musina in October.