The BMA’s proactive measures at South Africa’s borders

TACKLING CORRUPTION

- THOBEKA NGEMA

THE Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa is addressing the pervasive issue of corruption within its ranks, with Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana revealing alarming statistics regarding the facilitation of illegal activities at the nation’s ports.

This was revealed when a high-level delegation from the BMA’ Executive Committee went on a monitoring visit to the Durban Harbour on Wednesday.

“With just over 2 500 employees on our books and running, on average, about 50 cases at a particular time, or disciplinary cases, particularly linked to facilitation of illegal people through our ports,” Thupana said.

“Per quarter, on average, we have about 12 dismissals every three months, amounting to 48 dismissals in a year, and ever since BMA was established, over 20 employees have been dismissed”

Thupana said that was how seriously they dealt with corruption, adding that since these are criminal activities, those dismissed will be arrested and face the law.

“That is how we are dealing with the issues of corruption, particularly in a reactive manner,’ Thupana said.