Chairperson of the Session,
Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Honorable Minister
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC
Chief Whip of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence
Honorable Members of Parliament and National Council of Provinces Intelligence Veterans
Ladies and Gentlemen Comrades and Friends All protocol Observed
In the past 20 years, South Africa has taken its rightful place as an independent sovereign state in the family of nations and is a respected and active member of the international community. It has repositioned itself in the region, the African continent and the world, and has the ability to further its own national interests and those of the continent.
As a country we continue to be an influential and leading member of the international community and strive to be a contributor to the reform of systems of global governance to advance South Africa’s national interest. Paramount to that is the quest for peace and security, sustainable development, democracy, the rule of law, human rights for a prosperous region, Africa and as well as a fair and just world.
Chairperson, while we have peace and stability in our country, threats to our sovereign integrity have become more complex, emanating from the changing global environment.
The President of our country His Excellency, the President Jacob Zuma, aptly captured the global environment in his address to the intelligence community in 2012 when he said, “The radical transformation occurring globally has narrowed the distinction between foreign and domestic threats. World borders are now softer than ever. Whether it is transnational crime, terrorism or the global political situation, the international security situation requires all states to remain vigilant and to cooperate in protecting respective national security interests and their citizens.”
Outcome 11 in the Medium Term Strategic Framework requires us to create a better South Africa, and contribute to a better and safer Africa in a better world. Therefore, our role as state security is to understand and influence the external environment as it impacts on our ability to deliver on our mandate. Our interaction in the African continent, among others, has to be the achievement of a developed and economically integrated Africa as enshrined in Vision 2063.
The African Union (AU) Assembly of the African Heads of State and Government has declared 2014 the “Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa”. Through this declaration, the AU is placing emphasis on human security and encourages its member states to take active steps to increase food security, reduce poverty, promote economic growth and create wealth through agricultural development and innovation.
At the heart of the AU declaration is to address the structural paradox on the continent – where robust economic growth is occurring in parallel with declining per capita food production. The State Security Agency (SSA) will support the efforts of our government towards the realization of human security as it will bring about a more peaceful, secure and stable Africa.
Outcome 3 in the Medium Term Strategic Framework requires us to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe. This outcome has to be understood in the context of what the Constitution also requires us to deliver further; “South Africans as individuals and as a nation, live as equals in peace and harmony, and are free from fear and want.”
It is in response to the above that this fifth administration, led by the African National Congress (ANC), has identified radical economic transformation as a strategic objective in this second phase of democratic transition. This is informed by the ANC Manifesto, the National Development Plan (NDP) and our government’s Program of Action. The overwhelming show of confidence by our people in the national and provincial elections held in May 2014 imposes the responsibility and obligation on this administration to accelerate the implementation of radical socio-economic transformation agenda without fear or favour.
In his State of the Nation address in May this year, the President emphasized that, “the economy takes centre stage in the Program of Action of this fifth administration. It remains our strong belief that the most effective weapon against poverty is the creation of decent work, and that creating work requires faster economic growth.”
In this respect, the SS will strengthen partnerships and co-operation with its partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) and International Co-operation, Trade and Security (ICTS) clusters, broader government, the private sector and civil society to ensure that our efforts in realizing our economic goals are achieved without hindrance.
Chairperson, I am pleased with the interaction the Ministry had with the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence where the department presented our 2014- 2019 Strategic Plan. They raised concerns and identified areas of focus, all of which we will devote attention to.
We will continue to devote our energies in improving governance, accountability and compliance in the SSA. Coupled with this, is our planned policy initiatives that include a comprehensive review of the intelligence framework, commencing with the review of the White Paper on Intelligence and implementation of the National Security Strategy
Chairperson, there should be no discomfort about the implementation of our National Security Strategy. As that does not mean that we are about setting up a security state, rather it is about creating proper conditions for nation building, the development of a national identity and common patriotism, as well as the development of our country to become prosperous and a thriving democracy.
By its very nature intelligence work uses covert means and may appear to outsiders that it does not add value to government objectives. The contrary is true, our reason for existence is to deliver timeous, topical, accurate policy relevant information that informs, forecasts and advises on dangers, opportunities and critical developments. As SSA we shall continue to raise awareness amongst our people to demystify the nature of our work as it is the backbone of a stable government.
In advancing our task of creating an environment in which all South Africans are and feel safe, we have heeded the President’s call to root out corruption and to address the weaknesses that undermine the authority of the state as well as the integrity of government’s procurement systems.
Through the JCPS, we will contribute to the institutionalization of a multi-disciplinary anti-corruption regime that would provide for more severe penalties as a deterrent against the commission of such offences in both the public and private sector.
In the State Security Agency, we are committed to positioning ourselves as an institution that carries out its mandate free of undue influence, being exemplary in our governance and inculcating a culture of zero tolerance for corruption in our ranks.
In recent months we have observed developments in the platinum belt. The termination of the strike in the platinum belt is welcomed. One of the key lessons that should be drawn from the events in the platinum belt is that social partners, business and labour must broaden the channels of communication and pursue a broad national compact to overcome the prevailing structural impediments that lead to a promising employment environment in the mining sector.
Chairperson, our mandate requires that we stay ahead of changes within our environment in so far as it relates to security and our tradecraft. This requires us to evaluate our core skills, competencies and enhance our professionalism. To this end, we will prioritize the development of human resources to create a work environment that is conducive to excellence, where serving members and new recruits are encouraged to develop to their full potential and flourish.
We will pay special focus on the recruitment of talented patriotic youth through our cadet program and utilise our veterans to impart the skills and knowledge of our craft to new recruits. This will be a deliberate effort to respond to government’s call to create sustainable work opportunities for our people, in particular the youth.
The values that we will inculcate among the new recruits and our ranks in general will be based on the words from one of our predecessors, notably the late Minister Joe Nhlanhla. When he said, “now more than ever, we must demand more from ourselves and build with pride a culture within the intelligence services that holds high the goals of incorruptibility, credibility, integrity and maximum effectiveness. We must accept nothing less.”
I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the intelligence veterans’ community for their continued readiness to support us in responding to our call whenever we need extra capacity. They remain a valuable asset to our nation!
In conclusion Chairperson, I dedicate this speech to the women who were an inspiration to me in my political growth and sharpening of the intelligence tradecraft.
They are: Seaparankoe Ruth Mompati; the late Mme Kate Molale; the late Florence Mophosho; the late Sisi Nomava Ntshangase; and the late Sisi Maud Manyosi. I will forever be indebted to them for their wisdom, encouragement.
I concur with the all the issues that Minister David Mahlobo raised in his speech and I stand ready to support him in advancing the goals of this ANC fifth administration. I am grateful for all the support I received from the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence, Honourable Connie September, the Director General Ambassador Sonto Kudjoe and the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Ambassador Faith Radebe.
Lastly, I thank most heartily the Mahlobo and Molekane families for their presence at this budget vote, especially my son, Tumi.
I request that the House adopt the Vote of the State Security Agency.
I thank you.
