The Border Management Authority (BMA) and its partners hosted an anti-corruption awareness campaign at the Beitbridge border post yesterday.
The Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum campaign brought together the BMA, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Correctional Services. The forum is a platform for government, civil society and the private sector to fight systemic corruption across the country’s border and immigration systems.
SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi, BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato, Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode and Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale attended the event where they signed a pledge against corruption.
Inmates convicted of corruption-related offences shared their personal testimonies at the event. Organisers said the aim was to use real-life experiences to raise awareness and promote a culture of integrity among officials and communities.
BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi, said the campaign formed part of the authority’s wider efforts to restore public trust in border operations.
“The aim of the campaign is to allow for inmates who have been incarcerated for corruption to provide real-life testimonies at the event. The model of having inmates providing these testimonies will showcase a transformative and preventative approach to anti-corruption education and justice reform,” said Mogotsi.
He said the campaign aligned with Operation Hi-Tivise, the BMA’s initiative encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities. Reports can be filed via the anti-corruption hotline at 0801 229 019 or online on the BMA website www. bma.gov.za.
