The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato will on Friday deliver a keynote address at the 2nd Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Defence and Security Conference.
The conference to take place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria, will be focus on empowering the defence sector through strategic public-private partnerships.
It will be held under the theme: "Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships."
In his address, Masiapato is expected to elaborate on the role of public-private partnerships in border management and underscore the potential opportunities arising from collaboration with the private sector.
The Commissioner will also examine the progress made in implementing the BMA’s PPPs, as well as lessons learned and application to other PPPs in the defences and security sector.
He will further discuss opportunities for future BMA partnerships with the private sector and provide an update on the accomplishments of the BMA, as the authority will celebrate its second anniversary in April 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BMA said the authority asserts that effective and well-managed borders are crucial for ensuring public safety, promoting economic growth and safeguarding national interests.
“With only four days remaining before the conference, the BMA is poised to engage in discussions on empowering the defence and security sector through Public-Private Partnerships. These discussions forms part of objectives of securing borders for development and protecting South Africa’s interests to the fullest extent possible, the BMA said.
A diverse range of high-level speakers, including Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister, Major General (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, and Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Holomisa will explore partnership opportunities in implementing South Africa’s Defence review, while Maphwanya will provide the SANDF’s perspective on PPPs, addressing critical funding needs, and how the private sector can contribute to future preparedness.
In addition, a selection of experts from various fields will engage in critical panel discussions addressing the current advancements, challenges and strategic opportunities associated with public-private partnerships in the realm of defence and security within South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
