Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Michael Masiapato, will lead a high-level delegation to co-chair the Eswatini-South Africa Steering Committee Meeting on Border Management on Thursday.
The BMA said on Wednesday that the meeting formed part of ongoing bilateral engagements between South Africa and Eswatini aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing the management of ports of entry shared by the two countries.
A South African Revenue Services delegation led by Director for Customs, Beyers Theron, will also attend the meeting.
A key focus of the session will be the implementation protocol of the Joint Action Plan, which was signed by the BMA, Sars, and Eswatini at the end of 2024. The agreement aims to collectively address challenges faced in the border environment.
“The Joint Action Plan commits all entities operating at the ports of entry between South Africa and Eswatini to develop immediate, medium- and long-term measures to improve the facilitation and management of goods, travellers, and vehicles across the border,” the BMA said.
Through this cooperation, South Africa and Eswatini are working towards a shared vision of modern, secure, and well-managed borders. The action plan further includes commitments to harmonise policy and procedures, strengthen joint planning, and optimise the deployment of resources to support efficient movements and trade facilitation.
“This engagement builds on significant progress already achieved through similar Joint Action Plans signed with the Republic of Mozambique in 2023 and with the Kingdom of Lesotho earlier this year, both of which have already resulted in notable improvements in border coordination and trade facilitation,” the BMA said.
“The BMA and Sars are demonstrating commitment to deepening intergovernmental cooperation and strengthening the efficiency of border operations across all ports of entry.”
