ActionSA Raises Alarm Over Mananga Border Crisis

ActionSA has called for urgent government intervention following what it described as “the shocking state of affairs” at the Mananga Border Post and in surrounding frontline communities such as Magudu Village.

The party’s provincial leadership conducted an oversight visit on Monday, 8 September 2025, where they found what they say is overwhelming evidence of porous borders and inadequate resources.

“Our visit revealed how poorly resourced and porous our borders remain, making it easy for illegal crossings that fuel the crisis of undocumented immigrants entering South Africa,” said ActionSA Provincial Secretary Norman Sibitane.

According to the party, communities such as Magudu carry the heaviest burden. “From increased crime and overburdened local services, to threats to livelihoods and social cohesion, these villages have been abandoned to fend for themselves,” Sibitane added.

During the visit, ActionSA found that illegal crossings happen daily. “In many instances, people cross to buy groceries, while children living in Eswatini use the same illegal route to attend school in South Africa before returning across the border each day,” the party explained.

The situation, they claim, has become so entrenched that even major groups pass through without challenge. “Alarmingly, just last week, four buses carrying passengers to the Reed Dance Festival crossed at this same illegal point,” ActionSA revealed.

Community members also told the delegation that the area is exploited by smugglers bringing dagga, drugs, illegal firearms and other contraband into the country. “What is most concerning is that police are fully aware of this spot and even conduct patrols there, effectively recognising it as an ‘official’ illegal entry point,” the party said.

ActionSA pledged to take the matter further. “This situation is wholly unacceptable. ActionSA will be engaging with the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on this matter because it cannot be that people come and go into South Africa as they please, without consequence.”

The party emphasised that border security is essential for protecting both national sovereignty and community safety. “Our borders must never be treated as suggestions on a map – they are lines of national security and must be respected as such,”.