'Treasonous acts cannot be left unpunished': AfriForum and Solidarity face treason probe over US ‘misinformation’
The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said political interference will not be tolerated in the new intelligence agencies.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement are under investigation for alleged acts of treason, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told Parliament on Tuesday.
The groups are accused of providing false information to the United States government about the alleged persecution of white South Africans.
“The law enforcement agencies are investigating the treasonous act of misinformation… But we continue to make sure that the treasonous acts cannot be left unpunished,” Ntshavheni said during an oral question session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Her remarks came as she outlined government reforms to South Africa’s intelligence architecture, which she said would remove political influence and ensure independence.
These reforms include the dissolution of the State Security Agency (SSA) and the establishment of two separate intelligence departments.
Addressing the NCOP during a session of oral questions on Tuesday, Ntshavheni confirmed that the government remains on track with its planned reforms.
These include the dissolution of the current State Security Agency (SSA) and the establishment of two distinct intelligence departments.
This comprehensive restructuring forms part of a broader overhaul of South Africa’s intelligence architecture, in line with key recommendations from both the Presidential High-Level Review Panel and the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
The reforms are being advanced through the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill—commonly referred to as the "Spy Bill"—which is currently undergoing public consultation.
Asked if politics would not play any role in the process, Ntshavheni said: “The continuous work we are doing, is to rid ourselves of the elements of those who want to play into politics.”
The minister expressed satisfaction with the changes required by the panel, saying they had great support from the general intelligence officers of the organisation.
“Therefore there will not be a collapse of the environment or the work of the state security agency through the process of change,” she added.
Ntshavheni stated that a comprehensive skills audit, accompanied by targeted training initiatives, will ensure a consistent pipeline of qualified intelligence operatives.
She further announced that two newly established intelligence structures are expected to become operational shortly.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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