Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato welcomed the Auditor-General of South Africa’s (AGSA) unqualified audit opinion for the 2025/2026 financial year, calling it a milestone in building a credible, accountable, and high-performing public institution.
At the first-quarter ARC meeting, Chairperson Mr Luyanda Mangquku congratulated the BMA Commissioner and CFO Ms Zamachonco Chonco for this achievement.
His message credited the collective efforts of the Executive Management team, Finance Branch, ARC, and all BMA officials in strengthening governance, financial management, and internal controls.
The unqualified audit opinion confirms the BMA’s financial statements comply with the reporting framework and are free from material misstatements, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to transparent and accountable public fund management.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber welcomed the outcome, stating it demonstrates that the Border Management Authority is rapidly establishing itself as a capable institution built on good governance.
Schreiber said: “The Border Management Authority’s first-ever unqualified audit opinion is a significant milestone for, and a strong validation of, the groundbreaking reforms underway to modernise South Africa’s border management.
“It is yet another indicator of the rapid progress we are making to enhance the integrity of our country’s immigration and border management system,” he added.
Schreiber further noted that a foundation of robust governance is essential for developing a contemporary border management system, which in turn enhances national security and fosters economic growth.
“The prudent financial management framework that has been built at this institution within a very short space of time further demonstrates that providing additional resources to the BMA is a good investment for our country,” he said
Established in April 2023 as South Africa’s newest public entity, the BMA faced resource constraints, organisational transformation, and departmental integration.
Despite these challenges, the Authority has strengthened its governance, financial controls, and institutional capacity while delivering on its mandate to manage the movement of people and goods across South Africa’s ports of entry.
Mr Mangquku stated that the audit outcome demonstrates how committed leadership, effective oversight, and a culture of accountability can lead to good governance.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Commissioner, the Chief Financial Officer, management and all officials of the Border Management Authority. It demonstrates that the Authority is building a strong foundation of accountability, sound financial management and ethical governance,” he said.
He furthermore said: “As the Audit and Risk Committee, we are encouraged by the progress made and remain committed to supporting continuous improvement.”
Masiapato expressed appreciation to the Auditor-General of South Africa, the Audit and Risk Committee, the Executive Management team and all officials whose dedication contributed to the positive outcome.
“Receiving an unqualified audit opinion within three years of the establishment of the Border Management Authority is an important institutional milestone. It reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources, strong governance and continuous improvement,” he said.
Masiapato emphasised that the BMA remains committed to improving operational efficiency, reinforcing internal controls, and ensuring that every public brand entrusted to the organization yields value to promote economic growth and secure borders.
He also acknowledged CFO Ms Zamachonco Chonco and her team for leading the financial management processes behind the successful audit outcome.
Recognising the Auditor-General of South Africa’s critical oversight role, the BMA remains committed to implementing recommendations, enhancing its control environment, and upholding high corporate governance and financial standards.
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