Commissioner BMA Dr. Michael Masiapato: Briefing on Secure Borders for Development

Briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and Standing Committee on Appropriations Commissioner: BMA Dr Michael Masiapato, PhD 17 JULY 2025 Secure Borders for Development 1

FPURPOSE OF THE PRESENTATION The purpose of this presentation is to brief the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Standing Committee on Appropriations on the BMA s critical need for funding Secure Borders for Development Slide 2 of 24

OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION RATIONALE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BMA, BMA STAFF INTEGRATION PROCESS & ITS CAPACITATION, REFLECTION ON THE BMA SBUDGET ALLOCATION AND FUNDING REQUESTS MOTIVATION FOR CRITICAL FUNDING RECOMMENDED WAY-FORWARD Secure Borders for Development Slide 3 of 24

RATIONALE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BMA, Secure Borders for Development Slide 4 of 24 4

CONTEXTUAL RATIONALE FOR BMAS EXISTENCE, o 1994 - multi-agency approach with 7 dept across 72 PoE & borderline, o Adopted 7 SoPs implementing 58 fragmented pieces of legislation, o Multi-agency approach created silos, fragmentation, under-utilization of resources, & facilitated corrupt tendencies, o Five (5) iterations were applied to coordinate these role players: failed, o Need for integration arose: 2009, Secure Borders for Development Slide 5 of 24

CONTEXTUAL RATIONALE FOR BMAS EXISTENCE, cont Since 2009 discussions ensured for 15 years, BMA act enacted in 2020: Section 5 indicates that: (a)Facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of persons (Immigration, Health) within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry; (b) Facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of goods (Agriculture, Environmental) within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry; (c) Co-operate and co-ordinate its border law enforcement functions with SAPS, SARS & SANDF, border communities or any other persons. o Section 4 (2) emphasizes that border law enforcement functions shall be exclusivelyperformed by the officers of the BMA, o BMA is a frontline law enforcement authority, while the Principal Organs of State retain their policy and legislation making mandates, Secure Borders for Development Slide 6 of 24

BMA STAFF INTEGRATION PROCESS & ITS CAPACITATION, Secure Borders for Development 7 Slide 7 of 24

STAFF INTEGRATION MODEL: Departments Functions transferred to BMA Port Immigration function Home Affairs Experts:(1130), Support (39), Auxiliary (54), SMS (2): (T - 1225). Port Health Function Integrated Border Management Authority Health Work Streams Experts:(314), Support (16), Auxiliary (7), SMS (2): (T - 339). Biosecurity (Fauna & Flora) BMA Integrated Platform One command & control One Port Commander Port Commander Immigration Port Health Environmental Agricultural Border/Access Control Insignia Specialist Enforcement Support Auxiliary Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment Experts:(14): (T - 14). Agriculture Agriculture/Plants Functions Experts:(320), Support (37), Auxiliary (14), SMS (1): (T - 372). TOTAL (1 950 Staff ) Secure Borders for Development Slide 8 of 24

DEPLOYMENT OF BORDER GUARDS BMA Border Guard (600) Border Guards deployment at segments at borderline. BMA Coastal Guard (50) Northern Border with Zimbabwe: Beit Bridge area Western Border with Botswana: Swartkopfontein area Western Border with Botswana: Platjan area Western Border with Namibia: Vioolsdrift area Eastern Border with Mozambique: Kruger park area Eastern Border with eSwatini: Oshoek area Eastern Border with Mozambique: Lebombo area Easter Border with Mozambique: Kosi Bay area Central Border with Lesotho: Ficksburg area Central Border with Lesotho: Maseru bridge area Central Border with Lesotho: Qacha s Nek area Central border with Lesotho: Telle bridge area Central border with Lesotho: Sani pass area Border Guards deployment at the coastline Saldanha Bay Harbour Cape Town Harbour Mossel Bay Harbour Port Elizabeth Harbour Port Ngqura East London Harbour Durban Harbour Richards Bay Harbour Secure Borders for Development Slide 9 of 24

REFLECTION ON THE BMAS BUDGET ALLOCATION AND FUNDING REQUESTS Secure Borders for Development 10 Slide 10 of 24

ESTIMATED ALLOCATION FOR MTEF PERIOD The graph depicts the allocation provided to the BMA over the MTEF period. M, CZNM R'000 2500 000 In FY23/24; the BMA submitted a budget request of The graph depicts the allocation provided to the BMA over the MTEF period. R2.9bn from National Treasury and an allocation of R250mil received. This R250 mil was added to the budgets transferred from the Policy Departments resulting in a total BMA allocation of R1,34bn. In FY2024; the year of the establishment of the BMA; the Authority was approved an allocation of R1,34bn including the budges transferred from the transferred functions. The FY2024 budgets comprise R1,12bn (83%) relating to Compensation of employee (CoE) and the remaining balance of R224mil (17%) reserved for goods and services (G&S). Included in this allocation was R300 mil from National Treasury. 1,937,513 2000 000 1846 566 1753 078 In FY24/25, the BMA received an allocation of R1,407bn. 1500 000 1407 692 1341 226 The focus for the Authority in FY2024; was to ensure the efficient transfer of employees from transferring Departments into the BMA; whilst ensuring that adequate tools of trade are provided to enable service delivery in the front-line area viz. Ports of Entry and Border line in accordance with the BMA mandate. National Treasury. In FY25/26, the BMA has been provisionally allocated R1, 473bn. Included in this allocation is R350 mil from 1000 000 The adequate funding of the mandate remains a significant concern and risk for the Authority as the entity struggles to provide the critical tools of trade to mitigate border security risks, capacitate the Ports to improve efficiency, as well as attract the requisite capabilities. Additionally, an allocation of R280mil has been transferred from DPWI to the BMA for Port of Entry repairs and maintenance (RAMP). Over the MTEF period, i.e. 2023/24 2025/26 has BMA has been allocated R900mil as new funds for the establishment and operationalization of the Entity 500 000 Secure Borders for Development - FY2023/24FY2024/25FY2025/26FY2026/27FY2027/28 Secure Borders for Development Slide 11 of 24

ESTIMATED ALLOCATION FOR MTEF PERIOD M, CZNM The graph depicts the allocation provided to the BMA over the MTEF period. In FY2024; the year of the establishment of the BMA; the Authority was approved an allocation of R1,34bn including the budges transferred from the transferred functions. The FY2024 budgets comprise R1,12bn (83%) relating to Compensation of employee (CoE) and the remaining balance of R224mil (17%) reserved for goods and services (G&S). The focus for the Authority in FY2024; was to ensure the efficient transfer of employees from transferring Departments into the BMA; whilst ensuring that adequate tools of trade are provided to enable service delivery in the front-line area viz. Ports of Entry and Border line in accordance with the BMA mandate. The adequate funding of the mandate remains a significant concern and risk for the Authority as the entity struggles to provide the critical tools of trade to mitigate border security risks, capacitate the Ports to improve efficiency, as well as attract the requisite capabilities. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 12 of 24

CARA FUNDING REQUESTS M, CZNM a) To augment the current financial constraints, following from the deficit of the allocation of R2,9bn request not being approved by National Treasury, the BMA applied for CARA funding in 2023 from the Department of Constitutional Development (DoJcd). The submitted application requesting a total funding of R500mil and BMA was only approved R150mil. b) The approved fund (R150mil) is currently being utilised to procure Specialised Capital equipment and technology to assist the operational staff in adequately rendering the BMA mandate. c) These tools of trade include but are not limited to; patrol vehicles, firearms and ammunition, communication devices, body-worn cameras, surveillance equipment, forensic technology, motion sensors, drive through vehicle/truck scanner, etc. d) The BMA has submitted a second request for CARA funding amounting to R3.4 billion. The funding will be utilised to procure additional resources to those listed above. An outcome on the 2025 request is awaited. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 13 of 24

MOTIVATION FOR CRITICAL FUNDING Secure Borders for Development Slide 14 of 24 14

MANAGEMENT OF CoE AND HEADCOUNT FY2024/25 M, CZNM Description Approved Org.structure FY23/24 Approved Org.structure FY24/25 Critical positions Total number of positions 11 115 11 115 2 658 The graph depicts the allocation provided to the BMA over the MTEF period. 2 606 Filled positions 2 138 2 606 Unfilled position 8 977 8 509 52 In FY2024; the year of the establishment of the BMA; the Authority was approved an allocation of R1,34bn including the budges transferred from the transferred functions. The FY2024 budgets comprise R1,12bn (83%) relating to Compensation of employee (CoE) and the remaining balance of R224mil (17%) reserved for goods and services (G&S). Vacancy rate 80.8% 76.6% 1.9% Corporate services 411 391 18 Operations 8 566 8 118 34 a) As at FY2024/25 the BMA had a staff compliment of 2 606, this is mainly due to the appointment of the 400 junior border guards, immigration specialists and critical positions in corporate services Unit. The focus for the Authority in FY2024; was to ensure the efficient transfer of employees from transferring Departments into the BMA; whilst ensuring that adequate tools of trade are provided to enable service delivery in the front-line area viz. Ports of Entry and Border line in accordance with the BMA mandate. b) Out of a total BMA staff of 2,606, only 56 officials (2%) are part of the Corporate Service team, providing support to the 2,550 operations staff (98%). In quarter 4, the BMA appointed 37 officials, with 29 appointments being within Operations. Despite these new hires, the ratio between corporate support staff and operational staff remains significantly imbalanced. c) The primary risk facing the BMA is its limited capacity, which hampers its ability to effectively fulfill its mandate. This challenge has been worsened by the lack of additional funding allocated to the entity for the current year. As a result, the BMA is unable to recruit much-needed human resources or invest in technology that could alleviate pressure on existing staff. Moving forward, the BMA will prioritize filling critical positions, primarily within Corporate Services, Specialized Functions, and the National Targeting, should additional budget resources become available these positions will be filled. The adequate funding of the mandate remains a significant concern and risk for the Authority as the entity struggles to provide the critical tools of trade to mitigate border security risks, capacitate the Ports to improve efficiency, as well as attract the requisite capabilities. d) While the BMA Management recognizes the country's current economic challenges and the necessity of cost containment measures, it is important to highlight that, given the current staffing levels, the BMA is at significant risk of being unable to fully deliver on its extensive mandate. Therefore, serious consideration must be given to the inadequate funding of the entity and the implications this underfunding poses to its ability to effectively perform its responsibilities which is of national interest. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 15 of 24

MTEF FUNDING BUSINESS CASE a) The gross under funding of the BMA remains a critical national risk. The BMA has been tasked to ensure national security of the country through facilitating and managing the legitimate movement of persons and goods within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry. The BMA will not be able to adequately deliver on this mandate without the requisite funding. After discussions with National Treasury a request was made that the BMA, prepares a business case BC) to outline the financial requirements of the entity and area of focus within the MTEF period. Based on the Minister s recent budget speech, there is zero new allocation to fund the BMA s business case. On 17 June 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs requested that the BMA submits a BC for critical necessities. Three critical/priority areas have been identified that will require funding in the MTEF period, viz. Technology; Human Resource Capacitation and Tools of trade. b) c) Areas of focus Globally, countries are recognizing and acknowledging the crucial role that technology plays to enhance national security efficient Border Management. Statistics show that many countries are investing in technologies that aim to streamline and bring efficiency in the entry and exit processes whilst balancing that with national security. This includes technologies such as satellite surveillance systems and drones for detecting migrants that try to illegally enter their countries. The efforts / investments are an indication that globally countries acknowledge that at the center of resolving borderline challenges is technology. BMA is aligned with this thinking. Technology is also a force multiplier to reduce the need for very high number of border guards for border patrol, while automation of systems has proven to reduce levels corruption. Information Communication and Technology: Whilst an investment in technology is critical and reduce the reliance on human capacity, the current BMA staff compliment is not sufficient to adequately respond to the needs at the Ports of entry and Border law enforcement area. As it stands there are areas with the BMA that are sufficiently under capacitated e.g. Vulnerable segments; support units (Corporate Services) and Border law enforcement areas. Human Resources The BMA needs the right tools of trade to ensure that the mandate of the entity is adequately delivered. The investment in the tools of trade will not only improve staff moral but also ensure efficiencies and streamlining of processes. This will lead to increased efficiencies and productivity with the entity. In addition, the BMA cannot afford to deploy officers to the front-line without requisite equipment to even protect themselves. Tool of Trade Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 16 of 24

SUMMARY OF THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED No . DESCRIPTION OF THE INVESTMENT YEAR ONE R 000 YEAR TWO R 000 (Additional budget) YEAR THREE R 000 (Additional budget) M, CZNM 1. R505 300 R535 618 R567 755 Human Resource: As of 31 March 2025, the BMA has a total staff complement of 2,606 employees. This increase is primarily due to the appointment of 400 junior border guards, immigration specialists, and other critical positions within the Corporate Services. Despite these new appointments, the ratio between the Operations and Corporate Services (Support) units remains heavily skewed. Corporate Services personnel (includes HR, Finance and ICT) account for only 2% of the total staff, having to support the entire establishment. The Unit of focus for the recruitment within Corporate Services will be in the following areas: Corporate Services- ICT, Finance, Supply Chain Management , Payroll and Human Capital Management. Operation Unit: While our primary focus remains on enhancing our Borderline capabilities through technology, the effectiveness of these technological solutions heavily relies on the availability of human resources for tactical response; targeting & risk analysis; and overall improvement in service efficiency and customer services. Agriculture Specialised Functions: There is a critical need for the BMA to invest in human resources within the agriculture specialization. Such investment will help increase own revenue through increased inspection services whilst supporting the country's economic growth by safeguarding its agricultural revenue and jobs through exports. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 17 of 24

SUMMARY OF THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED M, CZNM N o. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVESTMENT YEAR ONE R 000 YEAR TWO R 000 (Additional budget) YEAR THREE R 000 (Additional budget) Operation Unit Cont. Health Specialised Functions: The BMA's health-specific function coverage is limited to only 36 Ports of Entry (PoE). Even within these ports, there are considerable capacity constraints. Previously, the BMA depended on the Global Fund to support and enhance capacity at these PoEs. However, with the cessation of Global Fund support, the BMA now faces significantly reduced or nearly absent additional capacity. Immigration Functions: The current capacity of border guards matched with the current planned investment in technology is not sufficient to adequately ensure the efficient rendering of the BMA mandate. The BMA at inception has planned to recruit 200 border guards per year. This has not materialized due to the budget constraints. National Targeting and Operational Centres: The National Targeting and Operational Centre plays a crucial role in effectively identifying, prioritizing, and addressing emerging border management threats and vulnerabilities. However, the unit is significantly under-resourced, with fewer than 10 officials currently managing its operations. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 18 of 24

SUMMARY OF THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED M, CZNM No . DESCRIPTION OF THE INVESTMENT YEAR ONE R 000 YEAR TWO R 000 (Additional budget) YEAR THREE R 000 (Additional budget) 2. R 400 000 (Once Information Communication and Technology: Off) Incorporating technology in the management of Borders has become critical ; this is evident in the global technological investment that is being made by other countries within the Border Management Area. The BMA is alignment with the global thinking as such estimates the following investment would be needed to fund the required ICT equipment and infrastructure: R37 000 (Support and maintenance per annum) R39 220 (Support and maintenance per annum) R41 573 (Support and maintenance per annum) a) Immigration System (Enabling legitimate movement of people in and out of SA) - R150 million (capital investment) and R25 million annual maintenance cost. b) Port Health, Port Agriculture and Port Environmental System R25 million (capital investment) and R2 million annual maintenance cost. c) Procurement of secured network for the 71 Ports of Entry R100 million (capital investment) and R20 million annual maintenance cost. d) Procure 1300 Desktop and Laptop and 400 Tablets - R55 million (once off) and R3 million annual maintenance cost. e) Procure cameras at Land ports of entry R50 million (once off) and R2 million annual maintenance cost. Secure Borders for Development f) National Target and Operational Centre R20 million (once off) and R5 million annual maintenance cost. Secure Borders for Development Slide 19 of 24

SUMMARY OF THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED M, CZNM No . DESCRIPTION OF THE INVESTMENT YEAR ONE R 000 YEAR TWO R 000 (Additional budget) YEAR THREE R 000 (Additional budget) 3. R51 725 R100 000 R120 000 Tools of trade: BMA had requested R500mil from CARA to fund the procurement of tools of trade. The entity was only approved R150mil leaving a shortfall of R350mil. The BMA is still significantly lacking on the tools of trade and requires additional funding to adequately capacitate its staff with tools of trade : R3 200 (Support and maintenance per annum) R20 000 (Support and maintenance per annum) R24 000 (Support and maintenance per annum) a) Procure of Drones and Border Line movement sensors - R30 million (once off); pilot training cost R500K and annual maintenance cost R6 million. b) Thermal Health Scanners R1,725 million (once off); and annual maintenance cost R200K. c) Vehicles Additional vehicles to ensure that all the Ports of Entry are adequately capacitated to patrol the Border line R15 million (once off); and annual maintenance cost R3 million. d) Heavy duty baggage scanner- for the three (3) commercial international airport R5 million. Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 20 of 24

SUMMARY OF THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED M, CZNM No . DESCRIPTION OF THE INVESTMENT YEAR ONE R 000 YEAR TWO R 000 YEAR THREE R 000 TOTAL R 000 1. R505 300 R1 060 000 R1 680 000 R3 245 300 Human Resource: Total approved structure for the BMA is 11 115. As at 30 June 2024, the BMA had 2566, positions filled this leaves vacant positions at 8549 when compared to the approved structure. Within the MTEF period BMA would require to fill 3207 positions in order to ensure alignment with the approved structure. The filling of these positions would require the following additional funding: 2. R 494 000 (Once Off) R87 570 (Support and maintenance per R92 820 (Support and maintenance per annum) R 757 790 Information Communication and Technology: Incorporating technology in the management of Borders has become critical ; this is evident in the global technological investment that is being made by other countries within the Border Management Area. The BMA is alignment with the global thinking as such estimates the following investment would be needed to fund the required ICT equipment and infrastructure: R83 400 (Support and maintenance per annum) annum) 3. R150 000 R200 000 R0 R350 000 Tools of trade: BMA had requested R500mil from CARA to fund the procurement of tools of trade. The entity was only approved R150mil leaving a shortfall of R350mil. The BMA is still significantly lacking on the tools of trade and requires additional funding to adequately capacitate its staff with tools of trade : TOTAL R1 149 300 R1 347 570 R1 772 820 R4 353 090 Minimum investment that may be provided to BMA R1 000 000 R750 000 R500 000 R2 250 000 The requested funding will be allocated on the ratio of 40% Human Resources; 30% Information Communication Technology and 30% Tools of trade). Secure Borders for Development Slide 21 of 24

IMPACT OF AN UNFUNDED BMA MANDATE M, CZNM Increased National Security risk (Terrorism, Smuggling, Human trafficking and increased cross-border activities) criminal Increased National Health risk (Epidemic Spread, Public Health Concerns and overburden Public Health facilities) RISKS Increased Economic risks: (Illegal trading, increased counterfeit goods, increase export prohibitions/bans, job losses , job competition, decrease in foreign investments, decrease in tourism) Increased Environmental risks: (Resource Exploitation; increase Biological invasion, food security, increase zoonotic diseases) Secure Borders for Development Secure Borders for Development Slide 22 of 23

RECOMMENDED WAY-FORWARD Based on the afore-presented slides, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Standing Committee on Appropriations are requested to, a) Note the BMA s expansive mandate; b) Note the BMA s motivation for critical funding; and c) Continue supporting the BMA s quest for funds. Secure Borders for Development Slide 23 of 24

THANK YOU, Secure Borders for Development Slide 24 of 24