An analysis of the dynamics and effects of interdepartmental policy discord on post-apartheid South Africa’s border control and border security

Borders have a primary responsibility of separating political entities (states) and the creation of national identities within states. In the African context, borders were created through colonial fiat, and have remained intact, except in the two cases: that of South Sudan and Eritrea. This study investigated inadequate policy harmonisation amongst the various departments or agencies responsible for border control in South Africa. In South Africa, there are seven departments responsible for border control, and they operate without a binding policy or legislation. This study investigated how this policy fragmentation from various agencies have affected border control and border security. Using qualitative approach with key informants from primary departments responsible for border control and analysing policy documents from primary departments, this study found that inadequate policy harmonisation amongst border control agencies does compromise border control and border security. It leads to ineffective practices in that work is duplicated, accountability is compromised and it leads to competition amongst agencies, and further leads to conflicts between agencies. Furthermore, inadequate policy harmonisation seemingly impedes the objectives of regional integration. The study also shows that South Africa has been observed to take a restrictive stance concerning immigration in that it puts the sovereignty of its interests above those of the region. Lastly, there have been calls to have an integrated approach towards border control which led to the introduction of Border Management Authority Bill (BMA). The BMA has been passed in the National Assembly, although it has been opposed by the opposition political parties owing to a number of concerns that emerged. The challenge of policy fragmentation has persisted as the political will to pursue the BMA softened due to changes in the political administration of the country, as it was initially developed during Jacob Zuma’s presidency, therefore, the change from Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa changed the political actors who pushed for the BMA. The study then recommends that South Africa needs to harmonise its border policies and embrace regional integration.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Mkhwanazi, Sandile Blessing

• interdepartmental policy discord
• post-apartheid South Africa
• South Africa’s border control
• border security

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/bcb256cf-9709-4ec9-baae-93ee0165136d/download