The employment of junior border guards at the country’s ports of entry is bolstering national security while providing employment opportunities for young people.
This is according to Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Michael Masiapato.
Speaking ahead of Youth Day, Masiapato highlighted what he described as the “outstanding benefits” of youth employed as junior border guards who he said are making “massive interceptions” at ports of entry.
During a border law enforcement operation on June 11, junior border guards at the Lebombo Port of Entry intercepted significant units of counterfeit alcohol hidden in a minibus taxi, under bags of coal and packs of lettuce.
On June 12, they intercepted counterfeit clothing and shoes hidden in a trailer of another minibus taxi and in a bakkie full of vegetables.
“These vehicles were travelling from Mozambique trying to smuggle the goods illegally when they were stopped for a routine search. The matters were handed over to customs for processing,” said Masiapato.
He said investing in youth yields significant returns to society.
“As we celebrate Youth Month, the junior border guards continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of our border security measures. These young recruits, equipped with rigorous training and a commitment to safeguarding our nation, have been instrumental in making massive interceptions that have disrupted illegal activities and protected our borders,” he said.
“Young people have been awarded the opportunity to contribute to our nation's safety and they are thriving at the job,” Masiapato said.
The BMA protects South Africa’s 71 ports of entry while facilitating the legitimate movement of goods and people. Its work covers immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at ports of entry and border law enforcement areas. – SAnews.gov.za
