
Border Management Authority to release its quarterly report and unveil new security measures
BMA Commissioner, Michael Masiapato, is expected to unpack the authority's report for the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year at a press conference in Pretoria.
As part of the briefing, Border Management Authority Commissioner Michael Masiapato will also announce new measures aimed at improving traveller verification systems and enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement operations across the country's borders.
The BMA said it is advancing its operations with the introduction of new tools, in line with its ongoing commitment to strengthening the management of cross-border movement.
Earlier this week, the authority addressed misinformation about a supposed new law regulating the entry or exit of South African citizens.
It has urged the public to verify all travel and immigration-related information via official government channels, including the Department of Home Affairs and the BMA itself.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
ANC faces criticism over lenient approach to corruption in municipalities
African National Congress faces backlash over lenient corruption approach in South African municipalities Image: Siphiwe Sibeko The African National Congress (ANC) has come under criticism for what analysts describe as a lenient approach to tackling widespread corruption and governance issues within South Africa's municipalities. This follows the party's announcement that it will deploy senior leaders to address pressing local government challenges amid ongoing concerns about service delivery and municipal accountability. The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) convened over the weekend in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, where discussions centered, among other issues, on the upcoming local government elections scheduled for next year. During a media briefing on Monday, the NEC revealed plans to hold a special session within the next two weeks focused explicitly on addressing issues plaguing local governments. This move follows the party's April Election Strategy Workshop and marks the beginning of election preparations. However, critics argue that the ANC's response appears reactive rather than proactive. Geopolitical analyst Joe Mhlanga voiced strong disapproval, stating, 'This sends a negative message to South African communities. It suggests that the ANC only pays attention to issues when seeking votes.' He stated that many communities have been waiting for basic services for decades, yet little tangible progress has been made. 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 'Since 1994, residents have been promised clean water, proper roads, and basic infrastructure, but are still waiting. The same officials accused of corruption remain in power, and accountability is lacking.' He pointed out that municipalities accused of misconduct continue to operate without consequences, fuelling public frustration. 'People protest weekly, demanding essentials like water, roads, and functioning healthcare facilities. Yet, the ANC seems to be acknowledging these challenges only now, which should have been addressed long ago,' he said. Mhlanga also criticised the apparent lack of concrete action, citing the significant amounts of money stolen from municipalities over the years. 'Billions meant for critical development have been siphoned off, but there's little accountability. This systemic corruption undermines efforts to develop the economy and improve living conditions,' he argued. He warned that the ongoing failure to tackle corruption could impact the ANC's support in the upcoming elections. 'Voters are increasingly getting frustrated. They see no real effort to hold officials accountable, and many are ready to vote for opposition parties instead,' he said. 'Residents want basic services, water, roads, clinics, hospitals, and they're not getting them.' Adding to the concerns, Mhlanga questioned the ANC's broader priorities, suggesting that the government's focus should extend beyond internal politics.

IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
South Africa emerges as a key player in cryptocurrency with Bitget's robust offerings
As cryptocurrency usage surges in Africa, South Africa is rising as a central hub for digital finance, exemplified by Bitget's entry into the market. As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates across Africa, South Africa is quickly becoming one of the continent's most active hubs for digital asset trading. With more than 40,000 users and an average monthly trading volume of 70 million USDT on the platform, Bitget is now emerging as a key player in the country's digital finance space. Bitget, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges and Web3 companies, officially operates in South Africa through its locally regulated entity, Parsa Financial Services (Pty) Ltd (FSP No: 52563), authorised under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. This ensures users in South Africa have access to a secure and regulated platform for digital asset services. A Comprehensive Financial Gateway: Crypto, Stocks, Derivatives & Cards Bitget's launch in South Africa isn't just about crypto trading. The platform introduces a full suite of financial offerings designed to give users the power to invest, trade, and spend with ease: Crypto & Futures Trading South African users can access a robust crypto trading experience across spot and derivatives markets, with a wide range of ZAR trading pairs and advanced trading tools. Bitget is widely recognised for its copy trading feature, allowing newcomers to replicate the strategies of top traders with one click. Xstocks – Tokenised Global Stocks Onchain In a bold step towards traditional finance integration, Bitget has launched Xstocks, allowing users to trade tokenised stocks like Apple, Tesla, and Amazon directly on-chain. This provides a seamless bridge between Web2 equities and the decentralised world of crypto – all with 24/7 access and no traditional brokerage middlemen. Learn more about Xstocks. ZAR Fiat Channel: Easy Deposits with Callpay To make onboarding easier, Bitget has integrated ZAR deposit services through Callpay. This allows users to fund their accounts in local currency with fast, reliable payment options. More on ZAR deposits. Crypto Cards for Everyday Spending With the Bitget Card, South African users can spend crypto like cash, both online and in-store. The card offers seamless conversion from digital assets to fiat at the point of sale, making everyday spending easier than ever. Leading in Transparency and Security Bitget's position as a top 3 global exchange in derivatives volume is further backed by its strong focus on transparency and compliance. According to a 2025 report co-published with Bitget consistently ranks among the most liquid and trusted platforms for altcoin derivatives. Read the full report. Moreover, Bitget is one of the few exchanges globally that maintains 100% Proof-of-Reserves. This means that every user's assets are fully backed and verifiable on-chain, giving customers peace of mind and ensuring Bitget never lends out or rehypothecates user funds. In addition, Bitget's Protection Fund is now valued at 742 million (as of Aug 4th 2025), designed to cover users against unexpected losses due to hacks or extreme market volatility. This fund is self-insured, independently managed, and regularly audited, demonstrating Bitget's long-term commitment to user safety and financial transparency. The Road Ahead in South Africa Bitget's commitment to South Africa goes beyond product offerings. With localised support, regulatory alignment, and tailored partnerships, Bitget is positioning itself to be the go-to crypto exchange for South African investors, traders, and innovators. With initiatives such as Blockchain4Youth and Blockchain4Her, Bitget is investing in South Africa's youth through specialised education on blockchain and school sports sponsorships. As adoption grows and the lines between traditional finance and Web3 continue to blur, Bitget is here to help users across South Africa trade smarter, invest globally, and spend locally.


eNCA
39 minutes ago
- eNCA
G20 South Africa 2025: A Defining Moment for the Nation and the Continent
South Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advSouth Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe. Stay updated by visiting or follow #G20SouthAfrica2025 for news, opportunities, and ways to engage. ance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe.