Pretoria: The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr. Michael Masiapato, will on Friday participate in the 2nd Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Defence and Security Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria. It will center on empowering the defence sector through strategic public-private partnerships.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event will focus on the theme: “Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships”. Masiapato is set to address the event, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in border management and the potential opportunities resulting from collaboration with the private sector. He will also review the progress made in implementing the BMA’s PPPs, share lessons learned, and discuss their application in other defence and security sector partnerships.
The Commissioner will further explore prospects for future BMA partnerships with the private sector and provide an update on the BMA’s achievements as it approaches its second anniversary in April 2025. In a statement on Tuesday, the BMA emphasized the importance of effective and well-managed borders for ensuring public safety, promoting economic growth, and safeguarding national interests. The BMA is poised to engage in discussions aimed at empowering the defence and security sector through PPPs, which aligns with its objectives of securing borders for development and protecting South Africa’s interests.
A diverse range of high-level speakers is expected at the conference, 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 discuss partnership opportunities in implementing South Africa’s Defence review, while Maphwanya will offer insights into the SANDF’s perspective on PPPs, addressing critical funding needs and the role of the private sector in future preparedness.
Additionally, experts from various fields will participate in panel discussions addressing current advancements, challenges, and strategic opportunities associated with public-private partnerships in the defence and security realm within South Africa.