Cape town: Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has assured South Africans that the country is secure and the security cluster remains solid and functional. The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing in Cape Town, where she released the redacted version of the National Security Strategy (NSS) and the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) for the sixth administration.
According to South African Government News Agency, responding to questions from the media regarding current risks to national security, Ntshavheni revealed that government had identified, among others, the threat of a coup d'©tat but emphasised that no such attempt had materialised. 'We have listed the risks and remember a risk does not necessarily materialise.You need to identify it and mitigate against it. One of the risks is the risk of coup d'©tat. We have identified it and put measures to mitigate against it,' she stated.
Reinforcing this message, Minister Ntshavheni added that the security cluster is solid and well able to do its work. She highlighted the dedication of men and women in various capacities within the intelligence, defense, and police services who work for the protection and benefit of the country.
The Minister emphasized the government's proactive and transparent approach to national security, noting that the release of the NSS and NIE would allow public engagement and strengthen accountability. She mentioned that the President has established a commission of inquiry with expedited timelines and a clear mandate to report findings to Parliament and the judiciary, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and swift action.
Ntshavheni also discussed the importance of releasing the public version of the National Security Strategy, which would empower citizens to understand the government's policy and strategic focus. This strategy, she explained, guides the work of the State Security Agency and the broader intelligence community.
Addressing concerns around the safety of G20 delegates as South Africa prepares to host key events ahead of the G20 summit later this year, Minister Ntshavheni assured that there is no single threat to delegates. She referenced South Africa's successful hosting of other high-level events, including the BRICS Summit, to affirm the country's capability to provide secure environments for global engagements.