SAPU rallies behind BMA in fight to clean up borders

The South African Policing Union has expressed strong support for the Border Management Authority’s Anti Corruption Awareness Campaign held on Tuesday at the Beitbridge Border Post. The campaign is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen integrity and accountability within border operations.

SAPU said it attended the event to demonstrate its backing for the Border Management and Anti Corruption Forum, which was launched in March this year in Pretoria. The union said the forum’s work was critical in tackling corruption that undermines national security and economic stability.

In a statement, SAPU national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said corruption continues to damage the moral and economic fabric of South Africa. “Corruption has crippled economies, collapsed institutions, and destroyed public trust in leadership. The same impact is visible in South Africa through failing services, growing unemployment, and frustration among citizens who are affected by mismanagement and greed,” he said.

Thobakgale said corruption steals resources that are meant to improve the lives of ordinary people. “Those resources should be used to build schools, hospitals, and a safer society,” he said.

He called on all South Africans, including public servants, community organisations, and business leaders, to unite in the fight against corruption. “This is not a battle for government alone; it is a collective responsibility that demands integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership at every level,” Thobakgale said.

He said building a country where honesty prevails and public office is used for service rather than self enrichment is essential for the future of the nation. “We owe it to our children and future generations to create a just and prosperous South Africa,” he said.

Thobakgale said corruption has severely damaged policing and that as a union representing law enforcement officers, SAPU will continue to take a firm stand against it. “We have always said corruption has killed policing. When there are allegations of corruption, both the corrupt and the corrupted must face consequences,” he said.

He called on members of the Border Management Authority and the South African Police Service working at border posts to work together to secure national borders and resist corruption. “If you allow an illegal immigrant to cross into the country, it means they could commit crimes against people close to you. Officers must think about the consequences of such actions,” Thobakgale said.

He said SAPU supports legal migration but condemns corruption that enables illegal entry into South Africa. “We welcome anyone from any country coming into South Africa as long as they do so legally and respect the laws of this country,” he said.

Thobakgale also referred to a resolution made at SAPU’s 2022 National Congress in Limpopo which declared a revolution against corruption, drugs, and gender based violence. “As the working class, we must take personal responsibility in fighting corruption because its effects will harm the future of our children,” he said.

SAPU commended the Border Management Authority under the leadership of Commissioner Michael Masiapato for continuing awareness campaigns to prevent corruption. Thobakgale also praised Special Investigating Unit head Advocate Andy Mothibi, who chairs the Border Management and Anti Corruption Forum, for leading prevention and awareness efforts.

He said such initiatives serve as reminders to public servants about their duty to fight corruption. “We call on government to provide more funding to the Border Management Authority to strengthen its capacity to secure the country’s borders effectively,” Thobakgale said.

SAPU said it remains committed to supporting anti corruption efforts across all sectors of law enforcement.