By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the State Security Agency (SSA) does not have an operation called Sibonkolo.
This follows a report by Sunday World, which alleged that an intelligence document released by the SSA accusing Ntshavheni of misusing State resources to target her political opponents.
According to the publication, which claims to have seen the report, the Minister initiated a covert operation named “Sibonkolo” to monitor and discredit Deputy President Paul Mashatile and other senior African National Congress (ANC) politicians, aiming to position herself among the party’s top six leaders.
Among those targeted are Mashatile, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, former minister Zizi Kodwa, Ramaphosa’s former political adviser Bejani Chauke, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, and his counterparts in Gauteng and Northern Cape, Panyaza Lesufi and Zamani Saul.
In a statement issued by the Ministry in the Presidency on Sunday, the SSA said it does not normally comment on media reports. However, the diversionary tactics being applied through the allegations of the so-called Operation Sibonkolo go against the progress being made to transform the agency as recommended by the High-Level Review Panel.
“These tactics seek to paint the SSA as an agency stuck in a rogue mode. As a matter of fact, the SSA does not have an operation called Sibonkolo or any operation focused on the manipulation of the State apparatus to further or undermine any individual political ambitions.
“The work of the SSA is governed by established operational directives, while the process to establish the necessary regulations is underway. In addition, they said that the oversight mechanisms established through legislation are fully operational,” the statement said.