The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) recently presented its submission on the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) Bill to Parliament, urging lawmakers to strengthen the legislation to better protect workers, bolster national security, and improve governance.
By COSATU
COSATU welcomed the intent of the OSBP Bill, which seeks to streamline and modernise border management through integrated operations with neighbouring states. However, the federation raised key concerns regarding the potential impact on frontline border workers, particularly immigration, customs, SAPS, and SANDF personnel.
In its submission, COSATU highlighted the critical need for:
- Clear governance structures to avoid inter-departmental conflicts and ensure accountability.
- Safeguards for workers’ rights, including job security, training, and fair labour practices within the OSBP framework.
- Enhanced security coordination to manage cross-border crime, trafficking, and smuggling more effectively.
The federation also called for adequate public consultation and parliamentary oversight to ensure the OSBP Bill serves both economic development and national safety without compromising public sector workers’ conditions.
As Parliament continues deliberations, COSATU reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively in the legislative process to ensure South Africa’s border management reforms are inclusive, transparent, and worker-centred.
