Statement on recent developments relating to the management State Security Agency

2 Aug 2013

In 2009, we announced a major project of transforming the civilian intelligence community with a view to improving institutional design and ultimately the quality of work of this very important entity within the security cluster.

After a long and meaningful process of engagement, we are pleased to announce that we have successfully completed this phase of our work. In the main, we have successfully completed the restructuring process and passed the legislation that provides for a new dispensation of the State Security Agency. This recent development pertaining to legislation allows us to proceed and make appointments in strategic and senior managerial positions.

In this regard, we wish to thank the President of the Republic for making the appointments which we will announce shortly. We urge all South Africans to support this team and members of the intelligence community as they endeavour to reach the outcomes of creating a safer and secure South Africa in a better world.

The next phase will focus on the area of improving the quality of our work in providing forewarning that helps with policy choices of the government, as we implement our national project of a thriving democracy and a better life for all South Africans. This will be achieved through a focused and deliberate programme of training, both in terms of skills in tradecraft but also on issues of creating loyalty to South Africa and the Constitution.

The other area of focus will be on matters of technology and related capacity. As we had committed earlier this year, we will continue to prioritise the finalisation of the National Security Strategy including the Cyber Security Policy.

It now gives me great pleasure to announce the following senior appointments, made by the President in terms of powers provided for in our Constitution and in terms of the Intelligence Services Act as amended by the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, 2013, as well as those made by myself, as the executive authority in terms of the Intelligence Services Act as amended by the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, 2013.

Coordinator of Intelligence: National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICOC): Mr Dennis Thokozani Dlomo

Director General of SSA: Ms Gladys Sonto Kudjoe
Director: Domestic Branch, SSA: Mr Simon Jabulani Ntombela
Director: Foreign Branch, SSA: Dr Batandwa Siswana

Domestic Branch:
DDG: Domestic Collection: Ms Nozuko Bam (continues)
DDG: Counter Intelligence: Mr Thulani Dlomo
Foreign Branch:
DDG: Collection, Africa: Ms Joyce Mashele
DDG: General: Rest of the World: MS Matshidiso Mhlambo

We would like to welcome this team of administrative leadership of our national civilian intelligence structure and express our confidence in their ability to discharge their duty in upholding national security and serving with dignity, honour and courage the South African public and respecting the Constitution.

Statement issued by Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of State Security, August 2 2013

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