Cape Town: The Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption within the country’s immigration and border management systems.
According to South African Government News Agency, launched officially on 25 March 2025, the forum serves as a critical platform for collaboration among key law enforcement, civil society, government, and business to address systemic corruption and illicit activities in the sector.
Chaired by Advocate Andy Mothibi, the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the forum held its quarterly meeting recently. It brought together high-level stakeholders, including Michael Masiapato, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), as well as representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The forum reviewed progress in ongoing investigations and corruption prevention strategies aimed at eradicating corruption. It received a progress report on fraud and corruption investigations related to the issuance of various permits and visas, including permanent residence permits, corporate visas, business visas, critical/exceptional skills work visas, study visas, retired persons’ visas, work visas, and citizenship by naturalisation.
Recommendations were made to revoke all irregularly awarded visas and deport individuals involved, as they have violated South African laws. Criminal referrals were made to the NPA to prosecute all those identified in the investigations as having violated the law.
The forum also noted concerns regarding the abuse of Traffic Register Numbers (TRNs) issued under the National Road Traffic Act, 1996. Preliminary investigations under SIU Proclamation 191 of 2024 revealed abuses and irregularities in the issuing of TRNs involving undocumented immigrants in South Africa. The forum resolved to intensify investigations to root out fraud and corruption in this area.
Additionally, the forum identified the spread of foot and mouth disease as an emerging risk requiring increased scrutiny at ports of entry. Strengthening border controls to prevent the illegal movement of livestock and contaminated products will be a priority in future discussions.
Corruption prevention initiatives were also noted, including a campaign conducted on 16 April 2025 at the Lebombo Border Post in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. The campaign aimed to promote whistleblowing and raise awareness about border corruption under the theme: ‘If You See Something, Say Something.’
Advocate Mothibi emphasized that the forum’s work is part of an intensified, multi-agency effort to combat corruption, ensuring transparency and accountability in immigration processes. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in safeguarding South Africa’s borders and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
The BMIACF will continue to meet quarterly, with progress reports shared with relevant oversight bodies and the public when appropriate.