'SA border control is a paradox'
22 March 2008, 14:17
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The government was failing the country on issues of border control, the Independent Democrats (ID) said on Saturday.
It was reacting to an article in The Saturday Star, which reported that there were only 19 police officers to control the country's 3600km of coastline, and 283 officers to control its 5000km land border.
"The police took responsibility for border control in 2004 from the South African National Defence Force, but it is clear that they do not have the equipment and resources that were previously available to the army," said ID deputy leader Simon Grindrod.
Reporting on a finding released by the Auditor-General last week, the Saturday Star wrote that the police could not even detect low-flying aircraft, allowing illegal planes to enter the country unhindered.
"Border security is a fundamental responsibility of any government and it is clear that our country is being let down badly in this respect," said Grindrod.
"Every country in the world is currently tightening up border security in terms of internal security and public health considerations. It appears that South Africa is doing exactly the opposite."
Grindrod said it was vital that the government paid attention to these failings as the country needed to seize opportunities presented by the global skills marketplace.
"In order to do this our borders must be regulated and controlled," he said. - Sapa
It was reacting to an article in The Saturday Star, which reported that there were only 19 police officers to control the country's 3600km of coastline, and 283 officers to control its 5000km land border.
"The police took responsibility for border control in 2004 from the South African National Defence Force, but it is clear that they do not have the equipment and resources that were previously available to the army," said ID deputy leader Simon Grindrod.
Reporting on a finding released by the Auditor-General last week, the Saturday Star wrote that the police could not even detect low-flying aircraft, allowing illegal planes to enter the country unhindered.
"Border security is a fundamental responsibility of any government and it is clear that our country is being let down badly in this respect," said Grindrod.
"Every country in the world is currently tightening up border security in terms of internal security and public health considerations. It appears that South Africa is doing exactly the opposite."
Grindrod said it was vital that the government paid attention to these failings as the country needed to seize opportunities presented by the global skills marketplace.
"In order to do this our borders must be regulated and controlled," he said. - Sapa
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