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ActionSA acknowledges the proactive efforts of MEC Jackie Macie, the Port Management Committee, and the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison in mitigating the potential spillover of violence from Mozambique into South Africa. MEC Macie’s commitment to supporting the Port Management Committee demonstrates a clear intention to safeguard South Africans from recent political instability in Mozambique, especially by reinforcing safety measures that aim to protect our citizens and resources.

We also welcome the partial reopening of the border to allow cargo trucks to cross, as this supports the continuity of vital cross-border economic trade, essential for our provincial economy. However, the ongoing cycle of closing and reopening the border, which was recently mentioned by the Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr. Mike Masiapata, highlights the need for more enduring solutions. Temporary actions, while helpful in the short term, are insufficient to tackle the broader, persisting challenges, including illegal crossings, cross-border crime, and the burden on local services.

Our previous support for the border’s temporary closure stemmed from genuine concerns about this spillover of political violence into Mpumalanga. However, the need for interim solutions, like temporary closures and reopenings, reflects a broader issue: they are only stopgap measures that will not resolve the root causes of illegal crossings and the impact it has on our province’s finite resources. While these short-term actions are crucial for immediate safety, we urge of that they be backed by sustainable, long-term strategy to ensure the safety and security of our people, the stability of our economy, and the integrity of our institutions. 

Illegal entries and related criminal activities remain a significant threat, not only to public safety but also the stability of our economy and already stretched institutions, particularly healthcare. ActionSA calls for a coordinated approach that includes the deployment of South African Defence Force (SANDF) personnel, to support long-term stability and curb cross-border crime.

ActionSA also submitted questions to MEC Macie before the initial temporary closure of the border to assess Mpumalanga’s preparedness for ongoing cross-border threats. These questions address the SANDF’s deployment strength, statistics on cross-border crime, and trends in migration. While we welcome the MEC’s recent actions, we expect comprehensive answers to these questions to gain meaningful insights that support a sustainable approach prioritising the safety and economic well-being of Mpumalanga’s communities.

ActionSA will continue to advocate for solutions that ensure Mpumalanga’s stability and resilience in the face of these challenges.

Issued by ActionSA