A tech-centric border as a strategy in managing illegal cross border migration and cross border crime in South Africa with special focus on the Kosi Bay and Golela border posts.
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Date
2021
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
South Africa’s Kosi Bay and Golela Border posts, just like other land border posts in South Africa, have continued to suffer from increasing volumes of illegal migration and cross-border crime. Globally, trends in managing similar challenges include the introduction of tech-centric borders (technology/surveillance in borders). A sample of 15 experts who have researched extensively on migration and border security in South Africa and beyond was used to investigate whether techcentric borders were feasible and necessary for the two borders and if this would amount to border securitisation and militarization. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were used to collect data and thematic content analysis was done on Nvivo 12 as part of data analysis. The first theme identified the benefits and need for tech-centric borders including crime, corruption detection and prevention as well as increased human resources efficiency. The second theme centred on challenges in implementing smart border technologies, namely financial and resources challenges, technology-related challenges and notions of community relations among Africans. The third theme was border management issues related to illegal migration and cross border crime. These include logistics, corruption and policy management. The fourth theme was the need to address the roots of illegal migration vis-à-vis cross border crime as against focusing on border securitization as all-encompassing solutions. The study recommends an integrated framework that includes not only the implementation of a tech-centric border but also resolving internal weaknesses in border control entities (corrupt behaviour, low staff commitment, limited knowledge on immigration policies and misaligned immigration policies). The framework also addresses geopolitical, economic and trade imbalances as root causes of illegal migration and cross-border crimes and recommends increased collaboration between South Africa and regional bodies in immigration management and cross-border crime prevention.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Administration in the department of Public Administration in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Administration, University of Zululand, 2020.
Keywords
Tech-centric border, Securitization, Illegal migration, Cross-border crime