Latest news with #NationalSecurityStrategy
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Is the leader of the GNU lost at sea? : Ramaphosa's leadership style questioned
Many South Africans have expressed disappointment with the manner Ramaphosa dealt with the Mchunu allegations. President Cyril Ramaphosa is losing the country. His hold on it is unravelling like a ball of frayed string rolling downhill. The government of national unity, which had vowed to rescue South Africa, is dysfunctional, largely because of the president's appalling lack of leadership. Unprecedented depths of economic and social distress have heightened public discontent and one senses that it needs just a spark to erupt. The ever-faster cascade of events has punctuated the president's customary sang-froid. He has made foolish decisions and he has been caught in fabrications that he should have realised were bound to be exposed. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations about political meddling, cadre deployment and institutional capture in law enforcement and the justice system left Ramaphosa flat-footed. It says much about how out of touch Ramaphosa has become that, despite the gravity of Mkhwanazi's allegations, he genuinely seemed to think he could shield his close ally, police minister Senzo Mchunu and deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Public outrage swiftly made his stance untenable. As Mchunu's stand-in, Ramaphosa chose Prof Firoz Cachalia. A respected academic who, on paper, looked like a safe choice, Cachalia arrives with baggage of his own. When Mkhwanazi earlier this year went public for the first time with claims of political meddling, Cacha lia accused him of 'public grandstanding' and urged him to stick to the internal police channels that he had accused of corruption. But the comedy continues. Farcically, the portfolio in the meantime has been handed to Gwede Mantashe, the most compromised but longest-serving minister Ramaphosa has had. It's during all this slapstick that Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni deemed it to be an opportune to release the 2024-2028 National Security Strategy assessment, which confusingly concludes that, despite political assassinations, incipient terrorism, violent extremism, economic sabotage and ram pant corruption, South Africa is a stable and secure nation. She then went on to make some extraordinary remarks at the press conference about a potential coup d'état. 'There is,' Ntshavheni told the increasingly bewildered journalists, 'a potential risk of a coup d'état. We have identified it and put measures in place to mitigate against it. So, that's why we say to South Africans that there will not be anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa.' ALSO READ:'Cyril must fall': Organisations march against Ramaphosa to Union Buildings on Mandela Day In the past few days or in the past few weeks, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa. That does not mean people are not planning one. Or, as Lewis Carroll put it with greater elegance and far less chance of rocking national confidence: 'If it was so, it might be. And if it were so, it would be. But as it isn't, it ain't.' Unfortunately for Ramaphosa, his other pet project, the National Dialogue, is not going to save the day for him. To many, it's just the latest manifestation of Ramaphosa's preference for symbolism over action. Even ANC legacy foundations, long accustomed to wielding quiet influence behind the scenes, are now publicly voicing their frustration. This week, the Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation issued a blistering statement, warning that Ramaphosa's habit of 'preaching dialogue while insulating political elites from accountability' amounts to little more than political theatre. The foundation charged that his leadership – tarnished by the still unresolved Phala Phala scandal – 'contradicts the very principles his administration claims to uphold'. The foundation's conclusion was stark: it's time for Ramaphosa to resign. NOW READ: What now for Senzo Mchunu? Police minister's political career on the ropes
eNCA
4 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Could coup d'état comments impact SA's image?
JOHANNESBURG - This week in Cape Town, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made a bold revelation, warning of the risk of a possible coup d'état in South Africa. Unveiling National Security Strategy and National Intelligence Estimate documents, she assured the nation that preventative measures are in place, and praised the role of the SANDF and police services.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
A coup? Here's what makes SA most vulnerable to attacks
The NSS stated that a disregard for the state's authority was growing, fuelled by the malicious use of communication platforms. A National Security Strategy (NSS) document published this week gives an overview of the greatest dangers posed to South Africa's stability. Threats of a possible coup d'état were raised by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni as the country still reels from allegations made by a senior police official. Neither Ntshavheni nor the NSS document elaborate on any specific groups which could carry out a coup, amplifying calls for the minister to furnish the nation with proof of her claims. SA 'remains stable' The redacted NSS document released on 15 July stated that domestically, the primary risks were those that undermined the state's functionality and the physical vulnerability of citizens. The report listed organised crime, gangsterism and illegal migration as breeding grounds of instability — all tied together with the consistent use of illegal firearms. 'Illegal migrants create 'no-go' areas in South Africa that violate the sovereignty of the country and undermine the authority of the state. 'The threat to socio-economic stability is caused by, among others, violent community protests as well as instability in the labour, transport and education sectors,' read the NSS. The NSS stated that a disregard for the state's authority was growing, fuelled by the malicious use of communication platforms. 'In order to destabilise the social and political situation in South Africa, inaccurate information is distributed, including deliberately false reports about the threat of terrorist acts,' read the document. However, it concluded that 'South Africa remains a stable country', despite the number of internal social ills. African and global threats Outside South Africa's borders, threats to the Southern African Development Community primarily stemmed from poverty. 'Poverty and underdevelopment are the overriding human security challenge. Violence and crime feature strongly in the region as both a cause and symptom of underdevelopment,' the NSS states. 'The level and extent of terrorism as an asymmetric threat is contingent on the extent to which major demographic, socio-economic, developmental and governance issues are addressed,' it explained. This leads to a continental spread that sees the 'expansion of ungoverned and ungovernable spaces, transnational militancy, organised crime and trafficking'. Globally, the digital age has removed the geographical limits of crimes, leaving nations open to international crime, terrorism, sabotage and trafficking networks. However, Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa said on Thursday that coups were not discussed on social media. Holomisa was one of the last leaders to successfully stage a coup south of the Limpopo when he took control of the Transkei civilian government in December 1987 as chief of the Transkei Defence Force. 'We are not expecting conventional warfare in South Africa. The major threat I foresee is civil disobedience, where we are asked by the police to assist and protect them,' said Holomisa while conducting an oversight visit at 1 Military Hospital. Digital insurgency Digital communications have also been highlighted by a European body as a platform for plotting social unrest and insurgency. A study by the German Council for Foreign Relations (GCFR) states that insurgent groups were most likely to use multiple online platforms to mobilise. 'There is a playbook available to plan a coup based on digitally maximising on- and offline capabilities to amplify a cause and push for mobilisation,' states the GCFR. However, no group or sector of society has been identified as having the resources or organisational capacity to pose a threat to the South African government. This has led Ntshavheni's opponents to insist that the minister or the security cluster reveal the source of her coup claims. 'She must tell us who, what and where,' said uMkhonto weSizwe (MP) party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. 'She has already told the public, now she must give us details and stop politicking,' he concluded. NOW READ: 'A coup is not discussed on social media': Holomisa says no need to press panic buttons
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's security crisis: Unimplemented commissions and political turmoil makes it a ticking time-bomb
South Africa faces a critical juncture as unimplemented findings from state commissions raise alarms about the integrity of its security institutions. With recent accusations of corruption and potential political instability, the nation must confront its challenges head-on. Image: IOL Graphics South Africa finds itself at a perilous crossroads, with recent revelations casting doubt on the integrity of the nation's security institutions. A series of state commissions, established over the years to investigate scandals and security lapses, have painted a troubling picture: a ticking time bomb poised to destabilise the country further. Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa's parliamentary and judicial commissions have played a critical role in addressing public controversies. Yet, many of their findings remain unimplemented, raising questions about political will and institutional commitment to reform. Last week, in a shocking media briefing, KwaZulu-Natal's top police official, Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of being part of a criminal syndicate actively undermining efforts to combat crime. Mkhwanazi's allegations come amid persistent concerns over policing deficiencies, illegal border crossings, unchecked immigration, and organised crime-issues that threaten national security. This week in Cape Town, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni unveiled a redacted version of the country's National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) documents for the current administration. She warned of 'one of the risks' being a potential coup d'état, asserting that measures are in place to mitigate such threats. 'The government has identified the risk of a coup d'état and taken steps to prevent it,' Ntshavheni declared. 'We have men and women in our defence and police services working tirelessly for the greater good of this country.' However, critics argue that these reassurances mask deeper systemic issues. Several commissions have previously highlighted alarming deficiencies within South Africa's security sector. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Mufamadi Commission, officially known as the High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency, revealed a disturbing trend in the intelligence community: It has shifted towards a narrow, politically motivated security focus, diverging from constitutional principles. The panel recommended overhauling the intelligence framework, citing political malpractices, factionalism, and disregard for legal mandates. Similarly, the Farlam Commission, established after the Marikana massacre, recommended reforms in police crowd management, public order policing, and accountability measures. Yet, years later, many of these recommendations remain unimplemented. Dr Mpumelelo Breakfast, a political analyst, emphasised the importance of acting on these findings. 'If these recommendations had been implemented, they could have served as effective deterrents against corruption and insecurity,' he said. 'The public must stay vigilant and demand oversight to protect our resources and ensure accountability.' From a legal standpoint, commissions serve as vital platforms for issue ventilation beyond the scope of courts. Political analyst Dr Reneva Fourie stated, 'Commissions provide a broader remit than courts, allowing for purpose-built investigations. They are against political interference, especially for institutions like the National Prosecuting Authority.' However, Fourie cautioned that evidence gathered through commissions does not automatically become admissible in court, often requiring further judicial processes. She stressed their role in laying the groundwork for law enforcement investigations. A report published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in May 2024 echoed these sentiments, highlighting the quasi-judicial nature of commissions and their importance in safeguarding the rule of law amid political turbulence. On Thursday, the Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation sharply criticised Ntshavheni's recent remarks about coup risks, calling her statements 'deeply irresponsible and reckless.' The Foundation accused her of fear-mongering, especially in the context of President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent actions, including placing Minister Mchunu on leave amid allegations of political interference. 'Such claims without evidence are dangerous,' the Foundation stated. 'They exacerbate political tensions and threaten national stability.' As South Africa grapples with these complex security challenges, Fourie warned, 'Without decisive reform and genuine oversight, South Africa's security institutions risk becoming instruments of division rather than protection. The country's future depends on it.' IOL Politics
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Sisulu Foundation slams Ntshavheni's ‘coup' remarks as ‘deeply irresponsible and dangerous'
Walter & Albertina Sisulu Foundation critisiced Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni for her recent remarks that South Africa's security services had detected 'potential coup risks.' Image: GCIS The Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation has harshly criticised Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni for her recent comments that South Africa's security services had detected 'potential coup risks,' calling her statement 'deeply irresponsible, dangerous, and, in the current political climate, reckless in the extreme.' 'To utter such claims on the parliamentary record - without presenting evidence, without a public briefing, and without accountability - is not merely careless, it verges on fear-mongering by executive design,' the foundation said in a statement. The statement followed Ntshavheni's remarks at a media briefing after she tabled the budget vote for the State Security Agency in the National Assembly. She said the National Intelligence Estimate and redacted National Security Strategy for the sixth administration identified a possible coup d'état as a national security risk. 'You need to identify and mitigate against it,' Ntshavheni said. 'One of the risks is the risk of a coup d'état. We have identified it and put measures in place to mitigate against it.' She emphasised that there had been no recent coup attempts, but said 'there are' people planning such actions. 'We continuously monitor them and make sure we deal with them,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ntshavheni also explained that intelligence agencies are not responsible for making arrests, but rather for providing the groundwork for law enforcement. 'We rely on law enforcement agencies to make the arrests… We would have made the spade work.' However, the foundation said that Ntshavheni's comments come at a politically charged time, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - an ally of Ramaphosa - on special paid leave amid allegations of political interference and obstruction of criminal investigations. 'Mchunu's suspension followed explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who bravely revealed a web of collusion between police leadership, political elites, and organised criminal syndicates,' the foundation said. 'Instead of responding with clarity, urgency, or reform, the government has done what it increasingly does when under pressure: create a diversion - and what better distraction than the specter of a coup?' The foundation said Ntshavheni's statement risks undermining both national stability and investor confidence. 'For a senior cabinet minister to casually mention 'potential coup risks' without any supporting detail or national security update risks inciting fear and breeding suspicion,' it said. 'It projects instability, even where none may exist, and it reinforces the worst fears of many - that this administration is willing to play loose with facts, weaponize paranoia, and erode democratic norms in a transparent, but dangerous, attempt to manage internal political fallout.' The foundation stressed that Ntshavheni's comments were made as public scrutiny over the president's handling of the police crisis reached a boiling point. 'The appointment of a non-MP acting police minister (within his powers), the creation of yet another judicial commission (the fifth of his presidency), and the president's silence on Phala Phala have already enraged citizens.' On Tuesday, Ramaphosa named Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as acting minister of police while retaining his current portfolio. Professor Firoz Cachalia, who is set to retire from the University of the Witwatersrand, will assume the role permanently in August. This follows allegations by Mkhwanazi, who accused Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with information peddler Brown Mogotsi and Mchunu to dismantle the task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. In response, both Mchunu and Sibiya were placed on special leave. Ramaphosa also announced a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations. The foundation went on to argue that Ntshavheni's 'coup narrative' may function as a deliberate attempt to distract the public and Parliament from holding leadership accountable. 'Instead of answers, we get an unverified claim of a coup attempt, floated in the most public forum of the land, then immediately dropped with no follow-up,' it said. 'This is not governance. It's governance by gaslight, and most disturbing of all, a disdainful display of continued disrespect for the South African people.' It also expressed concern that Ntshavheni's vague language might indirectly cast doubt on Mkhwanazi, the whistleblower whose testimony has kept the public talking. 'Her vague and ominous language, unaccompanied by evidence or clarification, could feed speculation that the commissioner himself could be viewed as a threat - an outrageous and potentially defamatory insinuation.' 'This less than subtle but loaded messaging creates public doubt, discredits a whistleblower, and may serve to sully Mkhwanazi's character and undercut his growing public support.' If that was the implication, the foundation said, Ntshavheni's remarks could amount to a violation of her constitutional oath. 'As a minister, Ntshavheni is constitutionally bound under Schedule 2 to be faithful to the Republic, uphold the Constitution, and serve with integrity,' the foundation said. 'Using her platform in Parliament to undermine a credible whistleblower, distort the national conversation, and deflect from political accountability is not only unethical, but it also borders on a breach of the constitutional duty to act in the public interest.' Furthermore, it warned that Ntshavheni's statement might taint the legitimacy of the judicial commission tasked with probing the alleged criminal infiltration of the justice system. 'A commission operating under the cloud of a supposed coup could be politically tainted from the outset, constrained in its independence, or misdirected in its mandate,' the statement read. The foundation called on Parliament to exercise its oversight powers. 'Ntshavheni must be called to account for her statements. If she has the intelligence to substantiate her remarks, she must provide it. If she does not, then her words should be withdrawn - and censured.' 'The legislature must reclaim its oversight function and reassert the supremacy of constitutional order over political theatre.' IOL Politics
