Latest news with #GCIS
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Home Affairs raises alarm over border authority underfunding
The funding crisis is forcing the BMA to adopt a "do more with less" approach, limiting its capacity to address border security challenges. Picture for illustrations purposes. Border Management Authority (BMA) guards at the Beit Bridge port of entry in Limpopo. Picture: GCIS The portfolio committee on Home Affairs has raised serious concerns about the continued underfunding of the Border Management Authority (BMA), warning that financial constraints are severely hampering the organisation's ability to fulfil its mandate and implement crucial cybersecurity measures. The BMA faces critical funding shortfalls that are hampering its ability to secure South Africa's borders and combat corruption, with the agency receiving only 30% of its requested operational budget. During a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Border Management Authority to review revised annual and strategic plans for the 2025-26 financial year, committee members raised serious concerns over what they described as systemic funding shortfalls that pose significant security risks to South Africa's border operations. BMA Chief Financial Officer Zamachonco Chonco revealed that the BMA had requested R500 million for capital funding but received only R150 million. 'We do appreciate it we're not saying we we're not saying this by way of lack of appreciation for what we got but we are saying it's still far short taking us where we have to be in terms of you know delivering on the mandate of the BMA,' Deputy Commissioner Mabjoalo Jane Thupana told the committee. The funding crisis is forcing the authority to adopt a 'do more with less' approach, significantly limiting its capacity to address border security challenges and implement critical anti-corruption measures. Cybersecurity and staff integrity concerns The committee highlighted that the authority's cybersecurity roadmap remains completely unfunded, creating potentially dangerous vulnerabilities in border security systems. Equally concerning is the BMA's inability to conduct lifestyle audits for all employees due to budget constraints, a situation the committee views as particularly problematic given the sensitive nature of border operations. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane emphasised the critical importance of regular integrity checks within the border environment. The committee had previously stressed the necessity of frequent lifestyle audits as essential tools for maintaining ethical standards at ports of entry and preventing corruption and fraudulent activities. Thupana disclosed that conducting lifestyle audits for just 100 employees would cost R9 million, meaning auditing all BMA employees would require nearly a quarter of a billion rand. 'We continue to work hard. This is one of the projects where we are saying we just needed to inform members that we don't have money for this at the moment, but we are prioritising it. Any money that becomes available for the BMA, we will be able to do that,' Thupana explained. The commissioner emphasised that more than 90% of BMA employees are frontline officers, including border guards, specialised immigration officers, and law enforcement personnel, as well as back-office staff in supply chain management, who all need to be subjected to these audits. Digital transformation leadership gap The committee has intensified pressure on the Department of Home Affairs to expedite the appointment of a Deputy Director-General for ICT, describing this position as fundamental to driving the department's digital transformation initiatives effectively. 'Digital transformation of the DHA has been identified as a critical pillar of the strategic plan, and having a dedicated leader will ensure close focus, especially in the context of complexities and cybersecurity risks within the environment. While the committee acknowledged the secondment of an ICT official from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the intervention is not permanent,' Chabane stated. Progress on digitisation despite challenges The committee acknowledged positive developments in the department's ongoing digitisation of paper-based records, an initiative launched during the previous administration under former Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. However, members urged the department to secure additional funding to enhance the digitisation process and ensure it delivers expected outcomes. Chabane noted that persistent problems with lengthy queues and frequent system downtimes require dedicated expertise within the ICT sector to develop innovative solutions. The committee emphasised that recent government announcements allowing departments to procure IT services from private providers necessitate high-quality service delivery to the public. ALSO READ: Big changes coming for ID, passport applications and birth registrations – Home Affairs BMA deployment falls short of targets The BMA's ambitious plans to strengthen border security through increased personnel deployment have also been derailed by funding constraints. The authority currently has 600 border guards and had planned to increase this number by 200 annually, reaching 2,200 by 2032. However, this conservative target remains far below the 10 000 border guards proposed in the original roadmap. Thupana acknowledged that even the modest annual increase of 200 guards 'is also not materialising' due to budget limitations. The authority is pinning hopes on technology to multiply the effectiveness of its limited human resources through the use of drones, underground sensors, and other international border monitoring technologies. Integration challenges persist Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted another critical issue hampering the BMA's effectiveness: the incomplete integration of the South African Police Service's border policing function. Schreiber revealed that while he has completed his part of the process, the final step of establishing the BMA remains with Saps. 'We are all working and operating in this committee as if the process of establishing the BMA is concluded, but it is quite a serious issue that the Saps part of that has not been concluded,' the minister stated. He confirmed ongoing engagement with the police minister to resolve this urgent matter, noting that a 'large number of officers' could be integrated into the BMA once the process is completed. ALSO READ: BMA officials intercept stolen motorbike, cellphones and cars at Kosi Bay Operational constraints and creative solutions The funding shortage has forced the BMA to explore creative solutions to maintain operations. Thupana outlined a multi-skilling programme where officials are trained across different areas, allowing biosecurity inspectors to also handle environmental products and other related functions. The authority has also begun collaborating with municipalities, starting with the City of Cape Town, to share capacity and relieve pressure at ports of entry. These partnerships aim to better utilise available resources for improved port functioning. Despite these efforts, basic operational needs remain unmet. The limited capital funding can only be used for operational equipment such as drones, speed boats for coastal guard operations, vehicles, and other specialised border management equipment. ALSO READ: WATCH: BMA intercepts and detains over 6 000 people trying to enter or leave SA illegally Smart ID rollout faces implementation challenges The committee also heard about ongoing challenges with the smart ID rollout, which the minister described as critical for combating identity fraud. With an estimated 18 million green ID books still in circulation, Schreiber cited research showing that smart IDs are 500% less prone to fraud than green ID books. 'There was a report out earlier this year that found the smart ID is 500% less prone to fraud than the green ID book and that the green ID book in fact has a fraud rate of 34% according to these researchers, which makes it the most defrauded one in Africa,' Schreiber revealed. The department is exploring various mechanisms to expand smart ID access, including smartphone applications, partnerships with banks, kiosks, and mobile units, with the ultimate goal of ceasing green ID book production. ALSO READ: Schreiber explains persistent ICT failures plaguing home affairs offices Branding and infrastructure needs Thupana also addressed the importance of proper branding and signage at ports of entry. She noted that poor signage facilitates corruption by allowing people to deliberately get lost or enabling officials to misdirect travellers to meet them in isolated areas. 'When there is proper signage, people know where to go, [and] it also facilitates movement, people are not lost wasting their time not sure where to find what they are looking for,' Thupana explained. She further emphasised that improved branding serves efficiency and helps combat criminal activities within port premises. Budget transfers still pending The committee learned that some departmental functions transferred to the BMA came without corresponding budget allocations. The BMA's chief financial officer is still engaging with various departments to secure budget transfers for items such as lease agreements for properties housing nearly 400 employees across different ports. 'When some departments identified budgets to be transferred, they focused on the budgets for compensation of employees and maybe just some assets like their laptops, tools and the desks they're sitting on. But the budgets that were centralised were not within where ports were located in the departments, but within facilities somewhere; this budget was not extracted to be transferred to the BMA,' Thupana explained. ALSO READ: 20 vehicles recovered at Kosi Bay border; latest incident linked to insurance fraud Counter-corruption unit success The committee praised the effectiveness of the department's counter-corruption unit and called for continued adequate funding to support its operations. Members highlighted the unit's significant impact in combating fraud and corruption within departmental operations, as well as its role in protecting the integrity of the country's documentation systems. 'The major headway the unit has made in breaking racket that fraudulently sells the department's documents must be protected and promoted. The unit must be properly resourced, both in human capacity and technological tools of trade,' Chabane stressed. READ NEXT: Home Affairs launches Operation New Broom to tackle illegal immigration
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Why Trump 'snubbed' Ramaphosa at G7 summit amid Iran-Israel conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working trip in Canada after he attended the G7 Leaders Summit where he was allegedly snubbed by US president Donald Trump. Image: GCIS US President Donald Trump appears to have snubbed his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa when he left the G7 Summit in Canada before the two could meet. The latest developments raise further questions where SA-US relations stand after Ramaphosa led a delegation to the US in efforts to 'reset' strained relations over false claims by the Trump administration that there was white genocide in South Africa. Trump is said to have left the G7 summit early to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which started just days before the summit. The US is a strong Israeli ally and continues to support it with weapons, while accusing South Africa of backing the Iranian regime. Iran is now part of BRICS of which South Africa plays a major role. Ramaphosa, who was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, was an invited guest at the summit as the only African leader. He met with all other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and others. The meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa was expected to discuss trade agreements, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and US-SA tariffs. Trump has been vocal about his stance on the Iran-Israel conflict, hinting at the possibility of US involvement and warning Iran to consider talks with Israel to de-escalate the conflict. Political analyst Sandile Swana said Trump's snub of Ramaphosa was likely due to pressure on Ramaphosa to support the US position on the Iran-Israel conflict. He said Trump could not afford to be friendly to Ramaphosa when hostilities were escalating around Israel including Gaza and Iran. 'Trump wants South Africa to support the US…The issue of tariffs and all that is a bind for Trump because he wants to be friendly with Afrikaners and whites in South Africa…So he cannot deprive these white South Africans he wants to be friends with of the revenues that they can make from the US. 'The tariffs really pertain to the relationship between Trump and white South Africans and I still believe that Trump will give them what they want in exchange for them being a force against Ramaphosa and against the ANC…so that is an incentive, a pay-off for them for sustaining Trump's campaign in South Africa. This is just a white supremacist agenda,' Swana said. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that Ramaphosa will continue to assert South Africa's calls for de-escalation in conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere during his deliberations at the G7. "For some time now, President Ramaphosa has been quite consistent in calling for the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East," Magwenya said. 'Part of that call was to ensure that this conflict that we've seen in Gaza does not extend to the rest of the region and so one of Canada's priorities for this G7 is this threatening of peace and stability, where we are going to align with the position in so far as calling for a peaceful resolution of all conflicts, Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, Iran and Israel. Now we will continue making that call that those conflicts have to stop,' Magwenya said. Cape Times
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Tribute held for journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and partner Zodwa Mdluli
The memorial service of Journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers A moving tribute was held at the GCIS offices in Pretoria on Wednesday, hosted by the National Press Club, where colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honour the memory of the Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli. Their bodies were found dumped in a bush at the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga last month after they went missing on February 18, 2025. Legendary musician Vusi Mahlasela, speaking on behalf of the family, said the tragic loss of Ndlovu and Mdluli is hard to accept, but brings a sense of closure. He described Ndlovu as being like a son to him, known for his energetic personality, and revealed they had even co-written songs together. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He shared that he had helped Ndlovu launch his online radio station known as Capital Live FM, with some of the first broadcasts taking place in his own recording studio. 'Sibusiso was part of me, part of my family. At home Sibusisio would be somebody who would manage some of the other things that I would ask him to do…I will miss his hand. I will miss his advice. I will miss his love,' he said. Mdluli's son, Treasure Mdluli, fondly recalled the good times with his late mother, describing her as an exceptionally kind person. 'I do not recall a day where she raised her voice at me, no matter how many mistakes I made,' he said. Ndlovu's colleague, Mpho Hadzi from Capital Live, said after working with him for 10 years, the tribute allows people to honour and celebrate his life and legacy. He shared a fond memory of how Ndlovu never let passengers play their own music in his car, but there was one exception when he made an allowance on a trip to Polokwane. The SAPS recounted the efforts that followed after Ndlovu and Mdluli were reported missing, saying the SAPS worked tirelessly day and night, walking the journey with the families from start to finish. A missing person's case was initially opened in Mamelodi, and the investigation led to KwaMhlanga, specifically Mahlabathini, their place of residence, where a break-in at a house was discovered. A case of housebreaking and theft was opened at KwaMahlanga SAPS, but two days later, a missing person report was filed for Zodwa Mdluli. Further investigation reclassified the case to house robbery, kidnapping, and recovery of stolen goods. A four-day search by the task team culminated in the discovery of two bodies in a dense, bushy area on the Limpopo-Mpumalanga border. DNA samples from relatives subsequently confirmed the remains were those of the missing couple. The case is still pending at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 20, 2025. The arrested suspects remain in police custody, with none having been granted bail.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Trump snubs Ramaphosa at G7 summit amid Iran-Israel conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working trip in Canada after he attended the G7 Leaders Summit where he was allegedly snubbed by US president Donald Trump. Image: GCIS US President Donald Trump snubbed President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G7 Summit in Canada, sparking speculation about the reason behind the snub. Sources and experts suggest the snub was due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which started just days before the summit. Iran is now part of BRICS of which South Africa plays a major role. Ramaphosa, who was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, was an invited guest at the summit as the only African leader. The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies like Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the US. Ramaphosa met with all other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and others. However, Trump left before meeting Ramaphosa who also concluded his working visit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on Tuesday night. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The two leaders did not meet as expected while Ramaphosa was seeking answers, from Trump, on trade agreements, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and US-SA tariffs. Trump has been vocal about his stance on the Iran-Israel conflict, hinting at the possibility of US involvement and warning Iran to consider talks with Israel to de-escalate the conflict. This stance may have contributed to the snub, as South Africa has been calling for de-escalation in the conflict, a source said. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that Ramaphosa will continue to assert South Africa's calls for de-escalation in conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere during his deliberations at the G7. "For some time now, President Ramaphosa has been quite consistent in calling for the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East," Magwenya said. 'Part of that call was to ensure that this conflict that we've seen in Gaza does not extend to the rest of the region and so one of Canada's priorities for this G7 is this threatening of peace and stability, where we are going to align with the position in so far as calling for a peaceful resolution of all conflicts, Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, Iran and Israel. Now we will continue making that call that those conflicts have to stop,' Magwenya said. However, Trump posted to social media hinting that the United States was considering involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran, with Trump even raising the possibility of violence against Iran's leadership. Trump has been warning Iran that they should consider having talks with Israel to de-escalate the conflict. The G7 Summit focused on global challenges and opportunities, including international peace and security, global economic stability and growth, and the digital transition. Ramaphosa participated in the G7 Outreach Session, where he put forward South Africa's objectives and interests. "South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,' Ramaphosa said. Political analyst Sandile Swana said Trump's snub of Ramaphosa was likely due to pressure on Ramaphosa to support the US position on the Iran-Israel conflict. "Trump is definitely putting pressure on Ramaphosa and trying to squeeze and push the snubbing was part of that," Swana said. He said Trump could not afford to be friendly to Ramaphosa when hostilities were escalating around Israel including Gaza and Iran.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
NPA launches recruitment drive to fill 268 vacant positions
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the NPA's staff complement has expanded by 34% since 2019 and that it has a substantially reduced vacancy rate. Image: Ntswe Mokoena / GCIS Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Tuesday said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was currently in a drive to fill 268 vacant posts that were at various recruitment processes at the end of May 2025. Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces, Kubayi said the NPA's staff complement has expanded by 34% since 2019 and has a substantially reduced vacancy rate. 'In the current format, human capacity, the head count is 5,513 permanent employees, an additional 327 appointed on fixed-term contracts, and 3,562 prosecutors who are permanently employed, and 289 are prosecutors who are appointed on contract. 'In the past financial year alone, the NPA has been able to appoint 728 permanent prosecutors and also 685 contract appointments,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Kubayi also said the NPA has moved from an annual performance of 50% in the 2020/21 financial year to 73% in 2023/24. 'The upward performance trajectory saw the NPA making a considerable contribution towards the Medium Term Development Plan for 2019-2024 in terms of improving on conviction rates in all court orders and attaining R11 billion in freezing orders against a target of R10.4 billion.' She stated that the NPA has been allocated R6.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, with R5.2 billion to be spent on compensation of employees and over R830 million on goods and services. 'It is projected that the NPA will be able to conclude and utilise this budget effectively. I must indicate, in some of the instances, we are able to pull from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account fund to support some of the work, and the Minister of Finance has been very supportive of the NPA in terms of ensuring financial resources.' Kubayi said prosecutors are undergoing continuous training and development in various aspects. 'Currently in the financial year, we have scheduled 148 training programmes and 10 have already taken place with 60 employees benefiting from this.' The minister added that they were consistently reviewing the capacity and the training needs for all areas, especially in dealing with specialised commercial and corruption-related matters. 'We have done the study that provides a picture of levels of capacity where it resides and amongst the prosecutors. Out of this review study, we'll be able to feel where the gaps are and in the areas where there are complex, organised crime, complex commercial crimes, including corruption, we're able to close those gaps.' Kubayi said there were lessons to be learned from the failed prosecution of Timothy Omotoso and Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant of former Free State premier Ace Magashule. 'More work can be done, but support and providing oversight over some of the cases. A lot of work is being done and over time where there is shortage of capacity, for example, we are able to source even external capacity to come and support the NPA.' Kubayi also stated that the current workload per prosecutor in lower courts was split between the work of the district court and the regional court. 'The outstanding cases per prosecutor in the district court amount to 80 cases per prosecutor. The outstanding cases per prosecutor in the regional court amount to 53 cases. Apart from the criminal court work, prosecutors in both district and regional courts have dealt on average with 207 decision dockets in the past financial year.'
