The Border Management Authority today hosted the final leg of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) campaign for the 2025/2026 financial year at the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry.
The campaign forms part of broader initiatives aimed at strengthening integrity within South Africa’s border management system while raising awareness about corruption in the border environment.
Travellers, officials and other stakeholders are being encouraged to take a firm stand against bribery and other illicit activities linked to immigration processes.
Led under the chairpersonship of the Special Investigating Unit, the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum is taking its message directly to one of the country’s busiest border crossings in an effort to highlight the impact corruption has on border management and national security.
Speaking during the campaign, BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said the initiative seeks to educate those operating within the border environment about the dangers and consequences of corruption.
“We want to educate all stakeholders about corruption, its consequences, and mobilise stakeholders to act against corruption, thus fostering a culture of integrity and accountability,” said Masiapato.
Authorities say the campaign is meant to demonstrate that government institutions are committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public servants perform their duties with integrity and pride.
The forum, which brings together law enforcement agencies, government departments, civil society, and the business sector, works as a collaborative platform to address systemic corruption and illicit activities within the border management environment.
Corruption within ports of entry has long been cited as a major challenge, eroding public trust in border authorities.
Officials say proactive awareness campaigns such as this one are aimed at addressing the root causes of corruption and warning potential perpetrators about the consequences of engaging in illegal activities.
The campaign also comes amid a broader crackdown by the Border Management Authority after more than 50 immigration officials were dismissed for corruption-related offences, including selling additional days to foreign nationals and allowing illegal entry into South Africa.
A further 38 officials are currently facing disciplinary action.
Authorities say the awareness drive is part of wider efforts to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in the country’s immigration and border management systems.
Saturday Star