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South Africa’s intelligence agencies, particularly the State Security Agency (SSA), has devolved into a source of national concern. Widespread corruption, political interference and mismanagement have compromised its ability to serve its intended purpose: safeguarding the country. AfriForum is concerned about these systemic failures and calls for immediate action to restore the integrity and functionality of South Africa’s intelligence agencies.

A 2018 report by a High-Level Review Panel appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa exposed the extent of dysfunction within the SSA. The report highlighted how the agency has been engulfed in political factionalism since 2009, becoming a tool for self-enrichment and political maneuvering rather than a reliable protector of national security. The agency’s shift away from its constitutional and human security obligations has undermined public confidence and left critical threats unaddressed.

Recent revelations about the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence division’s misuse of secret funds have further highlighted the scale of the problem. The division reportedly spent R22,7 million to purchase a luxury boutique hotel in Pretoria North, even as basic operational needs are neglected. While some officers conduct meetings in fast-food restaurants or their vehicles, this reckless expenditure reflects a shocking disregard for the dire resource constraints faced by law enforcement and intelligence teams.

These persistent failures come at a critical time when South Africa faces mounting challenges, including escalating instability in northern Mozambique, which could spill into South Africa, organised crime networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering, espionage targeting South Africa’s technology and industries, as well as domestic threats from radical groups that may incite violence.

Rather than addressing these pressing issues, intelligence agencies are mired in scandals, including the appointment of unqualified individuals to senior positions and the misuse of state resources.

“The collapse of South Africa’s intelligence services has left the nation vulnerable. The State Security Agency, which once was a cornerstone of national security, has become a symbol of incompetence and corruption. This cannot continue. AfriForum demands immediate reforms to rebuild public trust and ensure our intelligence services focus on protecting the country, not serving narrow political or personal interests,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

The current state of South Africa’s intelligence agencies is unsustainable and poses a direct threat to the nation’s stability. AfriForum urges the government to act swiftly and decisively to restore integrity and functionality to these critical institutions.

Issued by AfriForum