Border Management Authority (BMA) Vacancies 2025: Executive Manager Regional Commander

Explore Border Management Authority (BMA) vacancies 2025. Learn requirements, duties, salary, and how to apply for Regional Commander post.

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Introduction to the Border Management Authority (BMA)

South Africa’s borders are vital to national security, trade, and the movement of people and goods. To strengthen these areas, the government created the Border Management Authority (BMA) through the Border Management Authority Act No. 2 of 2020.

Border Management Authority (BMA) Vacancies 2025, The BMA is unique because it is recognized as a third armed service in South Africa, alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Its role is to secure borders, manage ports of entry, and coordinate border law enforcement.

In 2025, the BMA has announced an exciting vacancy: Executive Manager (Regional Commander): Northern Region. This role is critical for managing border operations in the Limpopo and North West provinces, making it one of the most significant leadership positions in the authority.

Why BMA Careers Matter in South Africa

Border management careers are more than just jobs — they are opportunities to:

Protect the economy by preventing the smuggling of goods.
Safeguard people by ensuring safe and legal migration.
Strengthen national security by stopping illegal activities across borders.
Promote trade and tourism by making ports of entry more efficient.

Working for the BMA means being part of an organisation that directly impacts South Africa’s safety, stability, and economic growth.

Vacancy Overview: Executive Manager (Regional Commander)

The advertised position is for Executive Manager (Regional Commander): Northern Region, covering Limpopo and North West.

Job Grade: E1
Division: Operations and Law Enforcement
Centre: Pretoria, Border Management Authority Headquarters
Reference Number: BMA1/3/2025
Closing Date for Applications: 29 September 2025

This is a senior management role, reporting directly to the higher leadership of the BMA. It requires a balance of operational expertise, legal knowledge, and strong leadership.

Salary Package and Job Grade Explained

The position comes with a competitive package:

Salary Range: R1,520,849.93 – R1,738,928.82 per year (total cost to company).

This salary includes benefits and reflects the seniority of the position. At this level, the candidate is expected to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and ensure operational excellence across multiple ports of entry.

Location and Division of the Role

Headquarters Location: Pretoria
Regional Focus: Northern Region (Limpopo and North West Provinces)
Division: Operations and Law Enforcement

Border Management Authority (BMA) Vacancies 2025. The Executive Manager will primarily be based in Pretoria but will oversee multiple border points across the Northern Region. This means frequent travel, field visits, and engagement with local and international stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications and Educational Requirements

To apply for the role, applicants must meet the following educational requirements:

Undergraduate qualification in Social Science, Law, or a related field (NQF Level 7).
The qualification must be recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

This ensures that candidates have a strong foundation in governance, law enforcement, or social sciences — areas critical for managing border operations.

Professional Knowledge Needed for the Position

Applicants are expected to have in-depth knowledge of:

South African Constitution
Border Management Authority Act (2020)
Immigration Act (2002, Act No. 13 of 2002)
Public Service Regulatory Framework
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
National Treasury Regulations
Public Sector Risk Management Framework
Corporate governance best practices (COSO Framework, ISO Standards, King Report on Corporate Governance)
Ethics frameworks and integrity management

This broad knowledge base is essential for balancing security, compliance, financial management, and stakeholder relations.

Experience and Leadership Expectations

Applicants must bring:

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in border law enforcement or a related field.
Of those, 5 years must be at senior management level.

This ensures candidates can handle high-pressure environments, manage large teams, and make strategic decisions.

Leadership in the BMA also requires:

Strong decision-making abilities.
Proven team-building skills.
The ability to collaborate with local and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Duties of the Regional Commander

The Executive Manager (Regional Commander) will oversee the full spectrum of border operations in their assigned region. Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of Operations and Law Enforcement strategies.
Align regional operations with the overall BMA strategy and objectives.
Ensure annual performance plans are executed effectively.

Border Security and Enforcement

Manage border law enforcement functions at ports of entry.
Facilitate legal movement of goods and people.
Prevent smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal migration.
Oversee surveillance and patrolling operations.
Manage enforcement of maritime laws for vessels in border waters.

Revenue Collection and Compliance

Ensure proper systems are in place for revenue collection at ports of entry.
Oversee compliance with financial and operational standards.

Governance and Risk Management

Maintain and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Lead the development of risk registers for the region.
Drive compliance with national laws and international standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build relationships with local communities, government agencies, and international partners.
Represent the BMA in multi-agency and intergovernmental forums.

Human Capital and Resource Management

Build and lead cohesive teams.
Implement strategies for talent acquisition, succession planning, and retention.
Handle poor performance and disciplinary matters in line with BMA policies.

Skills and Competencies for Success

To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate:

Strategic thinking and decision-making.
Strong problem-solving abilities.
Leadership and team management.
Excellent communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
Deep understanding of border security operations.
Ability to manage budgets and financial controls.
Adaptability and willingness to work flexible hours.

Governance, Ethics, and Compliance in the Role

Because the BMA is a national security agency, governance and compliance are critical. The Executive Manager must:

Uphold the Public Sector Integrity Management Framework.
Ensure ethical conduct among staff.
Manage resources transparently.
Report accurately on operational performance.
Ensure compliance with both domestic and international laws governing border security.

Working Conditions and Additional Requirements

Applicants should be prepared for:

Flexible working hours — including weekends or public holidays.
Overtime when required.
Frequent travel within the region.
High-pressure environments requiring quick decision-making.

Additional requirements:

Valid driver’s licence.
Ability to pass security vetting and clearance checks.

How to Apply for the BMA Executive Manager Vacancy

Applications must include:

Completed BMA Employment Application Form (downloadable from the BMA website).
Comprehensive CV with employment dates (dd/mm/yy) and at least two contactable references.
Reference number BMA1/3/2025 in the email subject line.

⚠️ Important:

Do not attach copies of qualifications or ID in the initial application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified copies.
Foreign qualifications must be verified by SAQA.

Email applications to: applications@bma.gov.za

Application Closing Date and Submission Guidelines

Closing Date: 29 September 2025
Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Only email submissions to the correct address will be accepted.

If you do not hear from the BMA within 5 months, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Sending applications to the wrong email address.
Forgetting to include the reference number in the subject line.
Attaching unnecessary documents that cause email size issues.
Submitting incomplete application forms.
Providing outdated or incorrect references.

Why Work for the Border Management Authority?

Joining the BMA offers:

A chance to be part of South Africa’s newest armed service.
Opportunities to contribute to national security and economic protection.
Exposure to international cooperation and border law enforcement.
Competitive salary and benefits.
A career with long-term growth opportunities.

Growth Opportunities in the BMA

As a senior manager in the BMA, career progression could include:

Deputy Commissioner roles.
National leadership positions in operations and law enforcement.
Advisory roles in international border management forums.

The skills gained in this role are also valuable across other public service and security agencies.

FAQs About BMA Vacancies 2025

1. What is the role of the Border Management Authority (BMA)?
The BMA manages South Africa’s borders, ensuring legal movement of people and goods, while preventing illegal activities.

2. What is the salary of the Executive Manager Regional Commander?
The package ranges between R1.52 million and R1.73 million per year.

3. Do I need to attach qualifications when applying?
No. Only shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies.

4. Can foreign applicants apply?
Yes, but foreign qualifications must be verified by SAQA.

5. What happens if I don’t hear back from the BMA?
If there’s no response within 5 months, the application was unsuccessful.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The Executive Manager (Regional Commander): Northern Region vacancy at the Border Management Authority is more than just a job. It’s a chance to lead a team that directly impacts national security, legal migration, and economic growth.

If you have the right qualifications, experience, and leadership skills, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

📅 Remember: Border Management Authority (BMA) Vacancies 2025. The closing date is 29 September 2025. Submit your application on time, ensure it’s complete, and take the first step toward an impactful career with the BMA.