National Assembly passes One Stop Border Post Bill to streamline cross-border movement
The National Assembly has passed the One Stop Border Post Bill, paving the way for South Africa to establish joint border posts with neighbouring countries in an effort to speed up trade and improve the movement of people across borders.
The Bill provides a legal framework for creating common control zones, where border officials from South Africa and a neighbouring country will work side-by-side at a single location — allowing travellers and goods to be processed only once before moving across the border.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, said the Bill is an important step in improving regional cooperation and boosting economic efficiency.
"This Bill will enable faster, safer and more coordinated border management. It strengthens our ability to facilitate legal movement while tightening security where it matters."
The One Stop Border Post model aligns with the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which aims to enhance regional integration and support trade and development across southern Africa.
The government says the new system will reduce waiting times, improve the efficiency of cargo movement, and curb illegal cross-border activities by improving joint security operations.
The Bill also authorises the Minister of Home Affairs to conclude agreements with neighbouring states on the establishment and management of shared border posts.
Existing bilateral and trade agreements will guide how each country’s laws are enforced in the shared zones.
Chabane said the change would bring “practical benefits” to travellers, traders, and business sectors reliant on cross-border logistics.
"We are building borders that are modern, efficient and secure — borders that support economic activity rather than obstruct it."
Following its adoption in the National Assembly, the Bill will now be referred to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence before it can be signed into law.
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