MUSINA residents Musina have raised their concerns during the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Musina Showgrounds on Thursday, 5 September.
Ramaphosa visited the Beit Bridge Border Post with his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
They agreed that establishing the Border Management Authority would be essential for the region's development.
While the BMA's primary objective is to enhance border security and curb illegal activities, residents questioned whether it would truly end illegal immigration and the rampant trade in fake cigarettes that has plagued their communities.
Residents who witnessed the harmful effects of this illegal trade on their town's economy and social fabric are sceptical about the BMA's potential to bring about meaningful change.
Speaking to Daily Sun, resident Sammy Rapula said they don't believe the launch will make any difference as the guards were there before the launch.
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"Illegal immigrants are still coming, and crime is still increasing in the presence of those guards. The illegal dealing of illicit cigarettes keeps growing every day, but we are giving them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they might bring a change," he said.
Residents claimed that smugglers and distributors of these illegal products have shown remarkable adaptability, often evading law enforcement's grasp easily.
Ramaphosa said the launch aimed to witness the fulfilment of a commitment to establish a single, integrated, and efficient authority to manage and secure the borders of the Republic.
"We seek a better life, free from fear and want. When our country's ports of entry and borders are well-protected and well-managed, we can prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods. We can facilitate lawful trade on a greater scale and more efficiently," he said.
According to the President, a more secure border is vital for curbing illegal migration, human smuggling, and trafficking.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner of BMA, Stephen van Neel, said 220 border guards were trained and came from their academy last year.
"We currently have 400 junior guards, and we want to show the country that there's integrity in our border because sometimes the illicit stuff coming from our country is assisted by some of our officials," he said.
