Independent panel to tackle SSA alleged graft

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says a panel of independent counsel has begun its work to assess allegations of malfeasance, corruption and unethical conduct in the State Security Agency (SSA).

The High Level Review Panel, the Zondo Commission and internal investigation reports detailed weaknesses and challenges within the SSA and the intelligence community.

Speaking during the budget vote the SSA in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ntshavheni said they remained focused on implementing the recommendations, tracking the progress and reporting same to the National Security Council and the Joint Community Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

“A panel of two independent senior counsels and a counsel has commenced their work to assess the allegations made in various reports with a view to initiate disciplinary actions or recommend referral of cases for prosecutorial action by the relevant authorities.

“This initiative forms part of our broader effort to strengthen consequence management within the agency, reinforce external accountability and restore integrity to the civilian intelligence services,” she said.

The minister announced that she was to release the national security strategy 2024 to 2029 and the national intelligence estimates for the period from 2019 to 2024.

“We cannot release the current national intelligence estimate because it will then interfere with the operations of the intelligence structures and other unexpected.”

Ntshavheni defended criticism from ActionSA’s Athol Trollip regarding the delay of over a year.

“We had to go into consultation and declassification,” she said, adding that they had to make sure all the boxes were ticked.

She committed that the SSA and all the national intelligence structures they will avail themselves to the commission of inquiry to probe the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Responding to some of the criticism against Ramaphosa, Ntshavheni said it was unfair to expect him not to follow due processes when allegations have been made.

“The president instituted the commission not only to follow the due process in terms of the allegations against the Minister of Police, but to follow the due process regarding the allegations against the Minister of Police, but to unravel other matters not mentioned by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.”

She also took a swipe at those involved in a “lynch mob” for finding people guilty before allegations were tested.

“We need to give everybody a right to reply,” Ntshavheni said.

ANC MP and JSCI chairperson Sylvia Lucas said they were seized with the referral of the allegations made by Mkhwanazi as per the instruction of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza in addition to their oversight mandate amid the judicial commission.

“However, after analysing both plans and the accompanying budget of Crime Intelligence, it is clear governance must be tightened, oversight strengthened and professionalism, accountability and integrity must be restored to SAPS Crime Intelligence,” she said.

MK Party Mzikayise Ntshingila said they were opposed to the budget vote for the SSA as it remained the creator of corruption, secrecy and betrayal.

“Until the budget serves the grass root, not the elite, until the intelligence service is transformed and not recycled, we say no to vote 8 (that is) cloaked in national security. We vehemently reject this vote and demand immediate arrest of the president and his minister,” Ntshingila said.

EFF MP Sam Matiase said the budget vote for SSA did not demonstrate clear appreciation of priorities for ensuring security of the state while state apparatuses were used with nefarious intent to inflict harm on the defence of the people and security of the state.

Cape Times