South Africa’s Security Strategy Highlights the Coup Threat, and the Minister Promises Continued Monitoring and Collaboration
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister of State Security, has stated that there is a risk of a coup but that it is being closely monitored.
According to Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency in charge of State Security, the country’s National Security Strategy for 2024–2028 lists the possibility of a coup d’etat as one of the major national threats. However, she assured them that the threat is being actively monitored and mitigated by federal intelligence services.
After her department’s budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Ntshavheni spoke to reporters at Parliament. Her remarks coincide with increased security worries after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made shocking accusations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and expressed concern about the nation’s law enforcement situation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the creation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into the claims and placed Mchunu on special leave in response to these developments. It is anticipated that the panel, which will be chaired by retired Justice Madlanga, will look into issues pertaining to potential misbehavior in the police and intelligence services as well as national security failings.
Ntshavheni explained that although there is a theoretical risk of a coup, no real attempt has been made in recent weeks.
The possibility of a coup d’etat is one of the dangers. We’ve recognized it and taken steps to lessen its effects. That’s why we tell South Africans that no one has tried to stage a coup in South Africa,” she said.
She did admit, though, that surveillance is still in place for people or organizations that might have plans to overthrow the government.
“No one has tried to stage a coup in South Africa in the past few days or weeks. We can say that they are not people planning, but they are, and we are constantly keeping an eye on them to make sure we address things,” she continued.
Ntshavheni promised the complete cooperation of the State Security Agency (SSA) and other associated intelligence entities with regard to the recently announced Madlanga Commission.
“I want to pledge that the SSA and all the intelligence agencies under my jurisdiction will participate in the Judge Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as the President has announced,” she added as she put this vote on the table.
