Digital border transformation important to grow economy, create jobs – Leon Schreiber

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber noted on Wednesday that the digital transformation of the border environment is an important priority for the Government of National Unity (GNU) to be able to grow the economy and create jobs.

Schreiber was speaking during the inaugural Border Management Conference, where he said the Border Management Authority (BMA) was set to play a fundamental role in the digital transformation of the entire Home Affairs environment.

He said a deliberate focus on building a strong organisational culture, unlocking the benefits of partnership, and embracing technology, held the key to turning the BMA’s vision of building an integrated border law enforcement authority into reality. 

His department’s vision for digital transformation meant it had to digitalise the immigration process.

“Given the capacity and human resources constraints facing the authority, there can be no more powerful force multiplier than investing in technology. For example, a single modern drone used by the BMA for surveillance of the border line will be able to effectively detect illegal crossings in a context where the authority lacks the manpower it needs for surveillance,” Schreiber pointed out.

Body cameras can similarly majorly impact ongoing efforts to combat corruption, he added.

“Importantly, as I have also repeatedly emphasised to the BMA management, all of this data will only be effective if it is integrated and analysed on an ongoing basis in order to guide decision-making,” he stressed.

In highlighting BMA achievements, he noted that over the last two quarters, the BMA apprehended over 36 000 “undocumented, undesirable and inadmissible persons”.

It seized 249 fraudulent documents, confiscated counterfeit cigarettes worth over R22-million, counterfeit clothing worth over R4-million, more than 1 100 stolen vehicle parts, and drugs with a street value of over R6-million.

“Over the same period, the BMA screened over two-million people, searched more than 108 000 trucks, processed over 12 000 flights and conducted 648 roadblocks around ports of entry,” he added.

It was crucial to leverage the strength of partnerships and cooperation, Schreiber said, as he revealed that the BMA had only 2 700 out of the 11 000 officials it required.

However, the BMA was committed to fostering partnerships with the private sector to leverage cutting-edge technology, streamline trade processes, and optimise operational efficiency, he said.

“By working with logistics companies, for instance, we can more effectively monitor the movement of goods and manage the flow of trade, which helps reduce congestion and improves service delivery,” Schreiber said.

He stated that collaboration with security firms would also enhance surveillance, increase the monitor of high-risk areas, and ensure quicker response to incidents.

Technology firms were also key players in this effort, to help integrate digital solutions that made border processing faster and more secure, he said.

“By creating public-private partnerships, we will encourage the development of a border management framework that serves both public interests and private sector growth,” Schreiber stated.