In what some might say is a long overdue presentation by the Border Management Authority (BMA), freight forwarders and other professionals in the logistics sector will have an ideal opportunity to familiarise themselves with the function of this Home Affairs arm.
If you are involved in the movement of goods across South Africa’s borders, the new BMA will affect you, according to the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
The BMA will assume responsibility for functions currently controlled by the SANDF, the police, Public Works, Home Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
As an all-encompassing body guarding the country’s borders, it has been tasked with overseeing immigration, customs, national perimeter protection, human health inspection, and the inspection of all fauna and flora undergoing over-border transit.
“The intention is that the BMA will help prevent, among others, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, illegitimate movement of goods and unauthorised movement of persons,” the statement said.
Most importantly, the BMA presentation at the JCCI’s office in Johannesburg on Tuesday will afford attendees an opportunity to question Thulani Mavuso, acting director general of the Department of Home Affairs (dha).
Since taking over from Mkuseli Apleni last July, Mavuso appears to have successfully shaken things up at the once beleaguered department.
A highly educated alumnus of Stellenbosch University, Mavuso prioritised the implementation of the BMA bill.
Previously he held the roles of deputy director general for Institutional Planning and Support as well as the acting deputy director general for Information Services at the dha.
Mavuso and the BMA will address industry concerns at the JCCI on April 30.
Starting time for the presentation at 27 Owl Street in Milpark is 9am.
For further info phone Zanele on 011 726 5300 or email zanele@jcci.co.za
