The Border Management Authority has launched a digital port health system at Durban Harbour to streamline maritime services, improve tracking and reduce administrative processes nationwide.
The Port Health Management System (PHMS) replaces largely email-based processes with an end-to-end digital platform through which shipping agents and authorised maritime stakeholders can submit, process, monitor and manage port health requests. Durban Harbour became the first implementation site on 15 September.
Under the previous process, shipping agents submitted service requests and supporting information by email, with BMA Port Health officials reviewing and responding through the same channel.
The BMA said this made it difficult for stakeholders to track individual requests, obtain consolidated information, monitor decisions and retrieve historical records.
The new platform allows authorised users to submit requests and supporting documents electronically, while officials can process applications through defined workflows and record inspections.
It also enables the management of invoicing and payments, electronic applications for free pratique, digital endorsements and stamping, as well as the creation and scheduling of inspection requirements.
According to the BMA, the objective is not simply to replace email but to establish a complete digital process that reduces repetitive administrative work while giving users greater visibility over outstanding requests and transactions.
Access to the platform is restricted to authorised users, with Entra ID authentication and role-based access controls forming part of the system.
Users will receive information about registration, credentials, training and access to support channels as implementation progresses.
Acting BMA Commissioner Major General (Retired) David Chilembe said the Durban Harbour pilot would provide operational information to guide expansion of the system.
“The Durban Harbour is the first implementation site for PHMS where the system will be piloted. The pilot project will provide valuable operational insights that will inform subsequent rollout to other applicable ports of entry,” Chilembe said.
The longer-term objective is to establish a more consistent and digitally enabled port health service across applicable South African ports of entry.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber welcomed the pilot as part of wider efforts to digitise immigration and border-management services.
The PHMS follows the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation and enhanced electronic movement control system, EMCS 2.0.
Schreiber said the intention was to use technology not only to digitise existing processes but to change how government services are delivered.
The Durban pilot will now provide the BMA with an opportunity to assess how the platform performs in an operational maritime environment before determining its subsequent rollout to other applicable ports of entry.
