The Border Management Authority (BMA) is struggling to fully carryout its mandate as its saddled with a shortage of manpower.

According to the Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, the BMA needs around 11 000 personnel to work within the approved structures. But its staff complement at the moment is only at about 2 700.

He cited underfunding as a major problem. Schreiber said that they are engaging Treasury on the matter and will present three business cases for more funds.

These details emerge as the BMA is holding its inaugural Border Management Conference and Expo in Pretoria. Discussions are set to centre around the critical role of border management in protecting national security, including the challenges posed by illegal immigration, terrorism, trafficking, and organised crime.

Attention is also set to be given to the latest trends in technology, products and services within the public and private sectors.