S border management
S border management Biographies of the BMA Commissioners D DR MIKE MASIAPATO, COMMISSIONER Dr Mike Masiapato spent over two decades in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster within the national intelligence structures. His work spanned from advising the country on maintaining national security imperatives and preserving its national interests. He held senior positions in the police service, military, civilian intelligence and financial intelligence centres. He holds two PhD degrees, one in Public Management and the other in Governance. He is currently the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA). Jane Thupana, Deputy Commissioner: Corporate Services. GENERAL DAVID CHILEMBE (RTD), DEPUTY COMMISSIONER: OPERATIONS Gen Chilembe is a retired major-general from the South African Police Service (SAPS). With his vast executive management experience, he headed the SAPS’ border policing unit for over 15 years. Gen Chilembe possesses a postgraduate degree in management and a BTech degree in policing. In his current role, he is responsible for rolling out the BMA in the South African border environment. S Dr Mike Masiapato, Commissioner. JANE THUPANA, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER: CORPORATE SERVICES Thupana’s career took off as a geography lecturer in the late 80s. She is an independent researcher and governance expert with more than 20 years of experience in executive positions within the public sector. She also served in the corporate governance and compliance structures of various government departments, public entities and constitutional institutions. Her latest full-time position (prior to her appointment by the president as deputy commissioner in the BMA) was that of executive chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board of South Africa. Her qualifications include an H Degree in Geography, a Diploma in Development Studies, two Master’s Degrees, one in Public Administration, and another in Business Leadership. General David Chilembe, Deputy Commissioner: Operations. 16 | Service magazine
What is the Border Management Authority? Border Management in Brief The Authority was established in terms of the Border Management Authority Act, No. 2 of 2020 which had empowered it to integrate border law enforcement within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry. As of 1 April 2023, the Border Management Authority (BMA) legally assumed its status as a Schedule 3(A) public entity. The legal establishment of the BMA means that South Africa has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade facilitation. The benefits of establishing the BMA include: • Coordinated and integrated border management platform with a single command and control that supports secure borders, safe travel and trade facilitation, which promotes socio-economic development. • Secure borders that protect national interests and enhance national security. • Enhanced trade and socio-economic development. • Strengthened coordination with local and international stakeholders within the border management environment. www.bma.gov.za
