Latest News & Developments
espionage and intelligence
NPA’s vetting saga exposes national security challenges
Zelna JansenTHE National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, released a media statement on 20 October 2024 in which she made allegations of “unwarranted and politically motivated attacks on the organization and a smear campaign against its senior staff’. The statement further goes on to say that “The timing and nature of these attacks come from well-worn playbooks that aim to undermine the work of the NPA as it makes progress against serious corruption.
Secure Data Infrastructure: The Backbone of BRICS Economic Cooperation
The rise of other global players such as BRICS+ and their push for data sovereignty are reshaping the dynamics of data governance in the world, suggesting that US hegemony may not be as absolute as it currently is.
Volt Typhoon III report exposes US cyber forces operations
Evidence has shown that ‘Volt Typhoon’, which US politicians, intelligence communities and companies claimed to be a China-sponsored hacking organisation, had launched a series of operations targeting networks across critical US infrastructure sectors, as just one of many operations initiated by the US intelligence agency.
The Role of NGOs in Africa: A Double-Edged Sword?
OPINION: The integrity of humanitarian work in Africa hangs in the balance, demanding vigilance, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to genuine development from all stakeholders involved in the NGO sector, writes Bayethe Msimang.
Furthering interests at expense of peace, stability
OPINION: Finally, this past week, the US Congress passed the $95 billion (R1. 8 trillion) aid package – $61bn went to Ukraine, $26bn to Israel and $8b to Taiwan, writes Wesley Seale.
Cosatu calls on findings of Inspector-General of Intelligence to be binding
Cosatu has called on the ad hoc committee to amend the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill and give more powers to the Inspector-General of Intelligence.
The Oppenheimers’ Regime Change Conference
We must recognise the agenda of proxies of apartheid capital, US, and Nato interests, and their political and media collaborators, and reject their interference in African affairs, says the writer.
SCA ruling exposes State Security Agency's dubious secrecy tactics and ANC vulnerability to foreign interests
The real value of the IOL, Independent Media, and Thabo Makwakwa’s legal victory at the SCA is to reveal the SSA be open to abuse to achieve political ends of individuals and groupings inside the ANC.
Independent Media wins SCA appeal against State Security Agency interdict
The Supreme Court of Appeal has upheld an appeal by Independent Media, IOL and journalist Thabo Makwakwa against the interdict to prevent the publication of a report into the United States’ interest in internal ANC party dynamics.
Spy Bill seeks to address findings by Sandy Africa, Mufamadi reports
Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said President Cyril Ramaphosa had committed to implement the findings of the Sandy Africa and Sydney Mufamadi reports into SSA.
Spy Bill receives backing from parties after adoption by Parliament
Political parties have supported the adoption of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill.
Ntshavheni confident Spy Bill will establish domestic and foreign services
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill will be able to establish a domestic branch and foreign branch.
SANDF warns of illegal crossings in borders
The Chief of Joint Operations in the SANDF Lt-Gen, Siphiwe Sangweni said illegal crossings have been a problem for many years.
Rise in political violence a worry ahead of polls
OPINION: Based on pre-election periods in the past decade, it is probable that violence levels will increase, writes Mary de Haas.
Cosatu warns Spy Bill is silent on powers of Inspector-General of Intelligence
Cosatu’s Matthew Parks also said they were concerned that the bill does not even give the Inspector-General powers to appoint his own staff.
Role of spooks during July 2021 riots questioned
The ad hoc committee said communities were concerned about security lapses during the riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021.
An exercise in futility, SA no closer to the truth
OPINION: While it is true there were socio-economic challenges in the country as the South African Human Rights Commission said, it is hard to believe that there is no link between the unrest and the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, writes Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu.
DA wants answers on how fake ‘diplomat’ Nhlanhla Sizani duped cops during local government elections
The party is calling for heads to roll after Nhlanhla Sizani was able to dupe police into believing he was a United Nations diplomat.
Calls to overhaul intelligence agencies
The acting chairperson of the ad hoc committee, Bheki Hadebe, said the public can still make written submissions on the intelligence bill by mid-February.
Inspector-General of Intelligence should be given more powers, says Al Jama-ah
The leader of Al Jama-ah in Limpopo, Saiti Ntola, said the Inspector-General of Intelligence should have more powers to be able to clamp down on wrongdoing in the intelligence agencies.
‘Spy Bill’: Parliamentary committee extends deadline for submissions on intelligence bill
The ad hoc committee on the intelligence laws amendment bill has extended the deadline for public submission until next month.
Inspector-General of Intelligence wants his findings to be binding
Inspector-General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel said his findings must be binding and this will force spy agencies to implement them.
How Nicoc was in disarray and ex-ministers meddled in its affairs
Gab Msimanga, the co-ordinator of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee, said when he arrived at Nicoc a few years ago the committee was in disarray.
State Security Agency distances itself from ‘report’ on allegations of corruption in judiciary
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said he received a 54-page document purportedly drafted by former SSA Director General Thembisile Majola implicating judges in allegations of corruption.
Holomisa wants intelligence committee to probe report on allegations of corruption in judiciary
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said he received the report making shocking claims about corruption in the judiciary.