There’s a growing number of South Africans that are associating themselves with terrorist organisations. This is view was expressed by State Security Minister David Mahlobo during his budget vote speech in Parliament, last week.
“Domestically efforts continue to be undertaken to identify South African citizens who want to join terrorist groups and to prevent an expansion in this regard. In addition, we are working with certain communities to curb radicalisation and recruitment of our young people on false ideology” said Mahlobo.
He said his department needs partnerships between civil society organisations, the private sector and communities to fight this scourge adding that no nation can act alone in dealing with this phenomenon.
Mahlobo said terrorist groups have been evolving with their motivations, financing and support mechanisms. Methods of attack and choice of targets are constantly changing. “This is done through the use of new and sophisticated recruitment tactics and funding methods, as well as attempts at gaining and controlling territory” he said.
The Minister reassured South Africans that despite the persistent global terrorism threat, the country remains relatively stable.
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