Question NW3481 to the Minister of Home Affairs
20 November 2023 - NW3481
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What (a) is the status of the appointment of coastal border guards for the Border Management Authority in the 2023-24 financial year, (b) is the number of the specified guards that will be appointed in the specified period, (c) by what date will the guards be appointed, (d) what is the annual salary budget for the guards and (e) what sea vessels will the guards have access to in order to exercise their functions seaward to the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone as defined in the Maritime Zones Act, Act 15 of 1994; (2) whether the coastal border guards will patrol the seaward area to the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone as defined in the Maritime Zones Act, Act 15 of 1994; if not, (a) will they be based at ports of entry and (b) what will be their functions; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The BMA appointed 50 maritime Border Guards who started on 25 September 2023 for training and onboarding. They were onboarded in all functions related to maritime border control.
(1)(b) 50
(1)(c) They are already appointed and will be placed from 15 November 2023.
(1)(d) The salary levels are at entry level 6 – R241 000.00 per annum.
(1)(e) The BMA is currently in the procurement phase with ARMSCOR for maritime capabilities.
(2)(a) The BMA remains responsible for border law enforcement (including maritime – 12 nautical miles) and the border guards will be based at seaport from where operations will be launched.
(2)(b) Enforcement of maritime laws within the Law Enforcement area is in accordance with the BMA Act.
END