Cabinet approval of the controversial Border Management Agency (BMA) Bill No 39058 – which was gazetted on August 6 – has raised serious industry concern.
The government statement said: “This single authority for border law enforcement provides the potential for more cost-effective services, enhanced security and better management of the border environment.”
The freight industry is however questioning the ability of one organisation to manage the diverse requirements of border control at 72 designated ports of entry in SA.
Suggestions were that it would prove unwieldy. It has also been accused of contravening the constitution. This because it would need to assume some of the functions of the police and defence force, while the constitution only provides for a single entity to perform the policing and defence functions.
