Border Facilities

QUESTION 44 / NO339E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 21 February 2012

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 03 of 2012
Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:



Whether there are any plans in place to improve the (a) infrastructure and (b) facilities at Border Crossings with regard to (i) Capacity, (ii) Information and Communications Technologies and (iii) Staff; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NO339E

REPLY:



Yes. The following plans are in place, in respect of:



(a)                 Infrastructure:    Some additional funding has been secured from National Treasury. Depending on process negotiated with Public Works, the Department hopes to improve its infrastructure at Ports of Entry, in terms of office space, for day to day operations, as well as, accommodation for its officials.



(b)(i)     Capacity:          A capacity building programme has been developed. This programme will be rolled out, systematically to all Ports of Entry over the next few years. The Program addresses the current challenges encountered in the management of trends in migration, and the facilitation of movement of persons.



(b)(ii)     ICT:                  -         The Department is, currently, engaged in a partnership with the South African Revenue Service, in respect of the eMovement Control System (eMCS)

                                    -         The Department is, also, busy with a Systems Modernization initiative, which will enable the enhancement, and integration of key Information Technology systems

                                    -         The upgrade of Information Technology infrastructure for improved security, data integrity and communication.



(b)(iii)    Staff:                The Department will place emphasis on reducing the turnaround times, in relation to filling existing vacancies





http://www.pmg.org.za/node/30871