Latest news with #StateSecurityAgency
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Are we now supposed to stay awake at night watching out for coup plotting bogeymen?
South Africans live under the constant threat of crime. Should we now worry about a possible coup against the current government? I must admit, after that media briefing by Ntshavheni, which was supposed to be about 'the national security strategy in light of the recent budget debate concerning the State Security Agency', I had a good night's sleep. I even had some lovely dreams, including one where a new government had suddenly come to power and begun rescuing our beautiful but beleaguered Mzansi from all the crime, corruption, unemployment, poverty and inequality. Should the citizenry sleep better at night going forward knowing that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his trusted minister are taking care of business? Or, should we be worried, afraid that the atrociously performing government is at risk of being suddenly replaced? This week's 'startling' comments by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni about the "risk" of a coup raise a number of questions. A coup d'état is not always a bad thing. It depends on the new leadership's intentions or programmes for the country and its citizens. So, don't let the minister scare you. The people of Libya saw an improvement in their lived reality after Muammar Gaddafi's coup, which is why the 1969 takeover is also known as a revolution – the 1 September Revolution. And there are many different kinds of coups, including a version that is increasingly becoming more common in recent times – self-coups. Unlike the standard violent and illegal ones launched by small groups for their own narrow benefit, self-coups are where a legally installed leader decides to stay in power illegally, renders the national legislature powerless and assumes dictatorial powers. In some cases self-coups or autocoups happen when, as seen at the beginning of the Trump 2.0 administration with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the leader assumes and uses powers not given to him or her by the constitution and other laws. It is that kind of coup that Mzansi must be afraid of. I wasn't startled or shook by Ntshavheni's briefing. But why did she decide to burden poor fellow South Africans with such weighty matters? We already sleep with one eye open because of crime. And we have that real-life bogeyman in the White House threatening to destroy our economy every week. Are we now supposed to keep our weary eyes peeled looking out for coup plotters too?
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's National Security: Ntshavheni identifies coup d'état risks
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said national intelligence identified coups as one of the risks and put measures to mitigate against it Image: Presidency Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo named coup d'état as one of the risks the national intelligence had identified and take action against. Ntshavheni made the revelation when she was responding to the media when asked about the risks they had identified when she released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) and redacted National Security Strategy (NSS) for the sixth administration. In her response, she initially said they had listed the risks to the national security in the documents, but indicated that the risk did not necessarily materialise. 'You need to identify and mitigate against it. One of the risks is the risk of coup d'état. We have identified it and put measures to mitigate against it.' Ntshavheni also said they could assure South Africans that there was not anyone attempting to do a coup d'état in South Africa in the last few day or weeks. 'There has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa. We say that, not that there are no people planning. There are, but we continuously monitor them and make sure we deal with those.' She stated that the intelligence agencies were not the ones making arrests and that those making the arrests don't say it was intelligence driven. 'We rely on law enforcement agencies to make the arrests. We would have made the spade work,' Ntshavheni said. The minister was making the comments at a media briefing after tabling the budget vote of the State Security Agency (SAA) in the national Assembly. She had undertaken to make public the NIE and redacted National Security for the period between 2019 and 2024. Ntshavheni described the release of the two documents as 'a historic milestone in our democratic journey, one which speaks directly to the principles of national security, constitutional accountability, transparency, and national resilience'. 'The national security considerations dictate that we cannot release the current version of NIE and National Intelligence Priorities (NIS). Hence, we are publishing the NIE covering the period of the sixth Administration.' She explained that release of the documents was to help South Africans understand the mandate of the state security. She explained this work guides the work of SSA, adding that they wanted a conversation into the priorities on national security as it related to domestic and foreign matters set for the country. Outlining the NIE, Ntshavheni said it provided a consolidated, evidence-based assessment of the strategic threats, risks, and opportunities facing the nation. 'It is the product of collaborative inputs from across the national intelligence community under the tutelage of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) as per the provisions of the National Strategic Act 1994 (Act 39 of 1994), and other strategic partners. It seeks to ensure that our national response to complex security issues, from illegal migration, espionage, cyber threats and transnational organised crime to climate security as well as domestic instability among others, is informed, proactive, and coordinated.' She also said the 2019–2024 National Intelligence Priorities were fully integrated with the priorities of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework with domestic intelligence priorities being to investigate threats to South Africa's sovereign economic and business capacity and capabilities emanating from both domestic and foreign actors and events, among other things. It also investigated activities related to terror financing that are characterised by vulnerabilities in the border security environment, exploitation of the cash economy, abuse of remittances, as well as the challenges presented by the new financial technologies and investigation and of syndicated criminal activities, including drug smuggling as well as human smuggling and trafficking. Ntshavheni said the National Security Strategy, endorsed by the Cabinet on 13 March 2024, outlined a whole-of-government, and with its publication, the whole-of-society approach to national security, by embedding intelligence at the core of strategic foresight, resilience-building, and crisis prevention. 'We should not be measured by the number of crises we managed but be measured by the number of crises not taken place. In the period between 2019 and 2024, outside July 2021 unrest, there have not been disruptive threats to the country,' she said, adding the exception was climate change. 'We have been working to give advice on the best mechanisms on areas affected by climate change to prevent future loss of lives.' She insisted that the National Security Strategy was grounded in the principle that national security was inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest. Ntshaveni also said the release of the NIE, NIPs, and NSS was her commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 'This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests … Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive.' [email protected]
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ntshavheni assures SA is safe after detected potential coup risk
'We have identified it and put measures in place to mitigate against it,' says Ntshavheni. Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has assured South Africans that the country's security is not at risk. In a shocking revelation while tabling the State Security Agency's budget vote for the 2025 financial year on Tuesday, Ntshavheni revealed that the security cluster had identified potential risks of a coup d'état in the country. Coup d'état Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA) and all relevant law enforcement agencies are actively working to prevent any uprisings or violent protests, similar to the July 2021 unrest. 'There is 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. In the last few days or in the last few weeks, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa. ALSO READ: Dirco slams old travel advisory about terrorism in South Africa 'The security cluster is solid, and because the people are worried, that is why the president is concerned about national security, that is why the president gave short deadlines for the commission, and that should give South Africans comfort that security is a priority for this government,' Ntshavheni said. In a shocking revelation, Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed that the security cluster had identified potential risks of a coup d'état in the country. #StateSecurity @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) July 16, 2025 Unrest Ntshavheni also dismissed claims of possible unrest, owing to President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. At a press conference last week, Mkhwanazi alleged political interference in police operations, claiming that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, had meddled. These allegedly include issuing letters to disband a task force, halt crime intelligence appointments, and withdraw case dockets to Sibiya's office. SA safe Ntshavheni assured South Africans that ensuring the country is safe from any domestic threats remains Ramaphosa's key priority. 'I want to assure South Africans that the security cluster is solid and is able to do its work. There are men and women in various capacities who continue to work as patriots for the protection of this country, and there are men and women in the intelligence services or the intelligence community who continue to work to make sure that this country is safe.' Ntshavheni said her department was also addressing malfeasance within the intelligence services, as well as allegations of unethical conduct. NOW READ: Ramaphosa's response 'a direct spit in the face of our revolutionary forefathers' – Sisulu foundation
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
Illegal dumpers caught near Plastic View after tip-off
Two individuals were caught in the act of illegally dumping waste in the area between Plastic View informal settlement and the State Security Agency in the east of Pretoria. According to Deirdré van Helsdingen, founding director of the Pretoria East Community Caring Forum, she was alerted by a concerned resident who reported the dumping activity. 'I received a message from a resident informing me that people were dumping waste in the area, which has unfortunately become a known hotspot for illegal dumping,' she said. Van Helsdingen said she immediately escalated the matter and was informed that Tshwane metro police officers were en route to the site. 'I drove to the location using the dirt road next to Mooikloof Ridge Estate and found a TMPD vehicle already on the scene,' she said. She added that a second TMPD vehicle soon arrived and assisted in intercepting the suspects as they attempted to flee. 'Thanks to co-operation from Mooikloof Ridge Estate, security footage was obtained that helped secure the impoundment of both vehicles used in the dumping.' She expressed gratitude to the TMPD for the swift response. 'This place where the dumpers were caught is a big concern for us; many dumpers usually dump there.' She added that Plastic View is also a big illegal waste dumping site. ' On July 5, we witnessed dumpers coming in at the boom gate at Plastic View and, after the driver got out and probably paid a bribe, the truck was allowed in to go and dump,' she claimed. Van Helsdingen said people usually dump at Plastic View. However, they are busy with a new action plan to stop the dumping there. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo warned that illegal dumping is a serious offence that harms the environment, damages public spaces, and places an unnecessary burden on municipal services. 'It is not only irresponsible – it is illegal,' he said. Mashigo urged all residents and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly and use designated landfill sites or authorised waste collection services. He referred to the Waste Management by-law. 'Any person who fails to ensure that garden waste, special domestic waste, or bulky waste is properly disposed of within the prescribed timeframes in a manner that prevents health risks or public nuisance may face a fine of R5 000.' He added that individuals or companies who illegally dispose of waste by dumping, dropping, spilling or placing it in public areas outside designated municipal containers or authorised disposal sites may also be fined R5 000. In addition, Mashigo warned that anyone who allows or instructs another individual to dump waste illegally may be liable for a fine of up to R10 000. Apart from a fine, individuals dumping illegally can be prosecuted. He said people or businesses need to dump waste at approved landfill sites. Domestic landfill sites can be found at: – The corner of Molefe Makinta and Soutpan roads, Soshanguve – Molefe Makinta Highway, Ga-Rankuwa – Hatherley, Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Nellmapius – Zithobeni Road, Bronkhorstspruit. The metro also has nine garden refuse sites for the free disposal of less than 1.3 tons at: – Daan De Wet Nel Drive, Dorandia, Pretoria North – Koorsboom Street, Magalieskruin, Sinoville – 26th Avenue, Menlo Park – Japie Peens Street, Mountain View – Sytze Wierda Avenue, Philip Nel Park – Rooihuiskraal Road, Centurion – Kruger Avenue, Centurion – St Joseph Avenue, Eersterust – Alwyn Street, Waltloo The metro has two transfer stations in Cullinan and Mabopane at: – Lucas Mangope Road, Mabopane – Cullinan Road, Cullinan Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Integrity commission must investigate rot in SAPS — MP Ian Cameron
The chairperson of parliament's police portfolio committee has called for skills and lifestyle audits for senior police officers after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations about the police minister's ties to the underworld and corrupt police officers. Speaking in parliament on Monday, Ian Cameron said Mkhwanazi's damning allegations have placed the focus on the lack of integrity in the police. He said an independent body must undertake lifestyle audits of all senior officers. 'Why do I say that? There's a huge question about vetting, security clearance, [and so on] in the senior ranks of the SAPS. 'We've asked questions regarding vetting and we often hear there's a backlog with the State Security Agency and therefore vetting is behind. 'There's not one member of the police portfolio committee who doesn't constantly question the lack of lifestyle audits, and the resolution of parliament last year that a skills audit must be urgently done. The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals. It indicates a systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and to undermine the rule of law. Ian Cameron, chair of parliament's police portfolio committee 'I go as far as saying we need to go through an entire integrity commission to get to the bottom of the rot in the SAPS,' said Cameron. Mkhwanazi alleged on Sunday he had evidence linking police minister Senzo Mchunu and his associate Brown Mogotsi from the North West to businessman Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala. Matlala was awarded a R360m contract from the police in 2024. He is in custody for the attempted murder of socialite Teboho Thobejane and her friend, who was seriously wounded in a shooting. Mkhwanazi said investigations have revealed Matlala is financially supporting Mchunu. Cameron said if the allegations were true it explained the police's ineffectiveness in arresting criminals. 'The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals. It indicates a systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and to undermine the rule of law.' Urgent action was needed from President Cyril Ramaphosa against police officials implicated in wrongdoing. 'We cannot continue one day [more] with criminals masquerading as police. 'The president has the responsibility to implement an intensive investigation into the corruption allegations at [the] SAPS to protect and promote the credibility of [the] SAPS,' he said. On Sunday, Ramaphosa, who is in Brazil for the Brics summit, described the allegations against Mchunu as a matter of grave national security. 'It is vital that the integrity of the country's security services is safeguarded and the rule of law is affirmed,' Ramaphosa said, calling on the affected parties to exercise discipline and restraint. 'The trading of accusations and counteraccusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion.'
