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Individual Reform: SSA 2026 - 2027

The associated bill, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is in parliament. However, there are no mechanisms to prevent these intelligence agencies from political interference in the future.

General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

Summary

The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. The bill aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the SSA will be separated into two agencies, there is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. The responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, are failing to ensure there is accountability by public institutions or they lack the authority to enforce legally binding recommendations. There are no mechanisms to safeguard the two agencies against further instances of state capture.

Actions

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is in the NCOP, undergoing the process of public participation.

Are there plans?

Once the bill is signed into law, the unbundling of the SSA aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services.

Is it on the agenda?

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, initiated by the Presidency, was passed by the NA in March 2024 and transmitted to the NCOP for concurrence. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform follows the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Goals

To improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the State Security Agency (SSA), it needs to be split into domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. The bill aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the SSA will be separated into two agencies, there is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. The responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, are failing to ensure there is accountability by public institutions or they lack the authority to enforce legally binding recommendations. There are no mechanisms to safeguard the two agencies against further instances of state capture.

Actions

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill awaits the president's signature.

Are there plans?

Once the bill is signed into law, the unbundling of the SSA aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services.

Is it on the agenda?

In the previous administration, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill initiated by the Presidency, was passed by the NA in March 2024 and transmitted to the NCOP for concurrence. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Goals

To improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the State Security Agency (SSA), it needs to be split into domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. The bill aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the SSA will be separated into two agencies, there is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. The responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, are failing to ensure there is accountability by public institutions or they lack the authority to enforce legally binding recommendations. There are no mechanisms to safeguard the two agencies against further instances of state capture.

Actions

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill awaits the president's signature.

Are there plans?

Once the bill is signed into law, the unbundling of the SSA aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services.

Is it on the agenda?

In the previous administration, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill initiated by the Presidency, was passed by the NA in March 2024 and transmitted to the NCOP for concurrence. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Goals

To improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the State Security Agency (SSA), it needs to be split into domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. The bill aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the SSA will be separated into two agencies, there is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. The responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, are failing to ensure there is accountability by public institutions or they lack the authority to enforce legally binding recommendations. There are no mechanisms to safeguard the two agencies against further instances of state capture.

Actions

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill awaits the president's signature.

Are there plans?

Once the bill is signed into law, the unbundling of the SSA aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services.

Is it on the agenda?

In the previous administration, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill initiated by the Presidency, was passed by the NA in March 2024 and transmitted to the NCOP for concurrence. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Goals

To improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the State Security Agency (SSA), it needs to be split into domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. The bill aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the SSA will be separated into two agencies, there is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. The responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, are failing to ensure there is accountability by public institutions or they lack the authority to enforce legally binding recommendations. There are no mechanisms to safeguard the two agencies against further instances of state capture.

Actions

In March 2025, President Ramaphosa enacted the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill into law

Are there plans?

The unbundling of the SSA aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services.

Is it on the agenda?

In the previous administration, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, initiated by the Presidency, was passed by the NCOP in May 2024 and transmitted to the president for signature. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Goals

To improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the State Security Agency (SSA), it needs to be split into domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The bill, now enacted as the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act 37 of 2024, aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the SSA.The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the legal framework is in place to disestablish the SSA and split it into two separate departments/agencies, this split has not yet taken place. There is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. So far, the responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, have not been able to ensure accountability. However, the act's empowerment of the Inspector General of Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee Coordinator to appoint staff and determine structures, as well as its attempt to prevent executive involvement in intelligence operational matters, provide reason for optimism.

Actions

While the SSA has legally been split into two separate bodies, the full physical and operational separation is still underway and not yet fully completed.

Are there plans?

To implement the changes, particularly to complete the splitting the SSA.

Is it on the agenda?

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been passed in parliament and enacted by the president.

Goals

The goal of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is to restructure SA’s intelligence services and improve oversight and accountability. The Bill is designed to implement recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The bill, now enacted as the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act 37 of 2024, aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the State Security Agency. The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the legal framework is in place to disestablish the SSA and split it into two separate departments/agencies, this split has not yet taken place. There is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. So far, the responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, have not been able to ensure accountability. However, the act's empowerment of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee Coordinator to appoint staff and determine structures, as well as its attempt to prevent executive involvement in intelligence operational matters, imply that progress is being made.

Actions

While the SSA has legally been split into two separate bodies, the physical and operational separation is not yet fully complete.

Are there plans?

To implement the changes, particularly to complete the splitting the SSA.

Is it on the agenda?

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been passed in parliament and enacted by the president.

Goals

The goal of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is to restructure SA’s intelligence services and improve oversight and accountability. The bill is designed to implement recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The bill, now enacted as the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act 37 of 2024, aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the State Security Agency. The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the legal framework is in place to disestablish the SSA and split it into two separate departments/agencies, this split has not yet taken place. There is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. So far, the responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, have not been able to ensure accountability. However, the act's empowerment of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee Coordinator to appoint staff and determine structures, as well as its attempt to prevent executive involvement in intelligence operational matters, imply that some progress is being made.

Actions

In December, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni indicated that the act has not come into operation as it is awaiting a presidential proclamation. In the meantime, the Intelligence services were doing preparatory work required to operationalise the act, including the development of regulations contemplated in it and the design of organisational structures, systems and processes. The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been passed in parliament and enacted by the president.

Are there plans?

To implement the changes, particularly to complete the splitting the SSA.

Is it on the agenda?

Included in the recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Goals

The goal of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is to restructure SA’s intelligence services and improve oversight and accountability. The bill is designed to implement recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Summary

The bill, now enacted as the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act 37 of 2024, aims to limit the centralised power or abuse of intelligence resources under the State Security Agency. The SSA is to be split into the South African Intelligence Agency, which focuses on domestic intelligence, and the South African Intelligence Service for foreign intelligence. These were merged in 2009 by former President Jacob Zuma. As the SSA was subject to resource abuses under one director during the state capture era, each of the two agencies will have a director to report to a minister. As part of reforming intelligence agencies, this reform aligns with the Zondo Commission's finding that weaknesses in the regulatory framework made the SSA particularly vulnerable to abuse for political and personal gain.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Although the legal framework is in place to disestablish the SSA and split it into two separate departments/agencies, this split has not yet taken place. There is no guarantee of adequate oversight and accountability of intelligence agencies to prevent abuse of power or individual interest in the future. So far, the responsible oversight authorities/bodies, including the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, have not been able to ensure accountability. However, the act's empowerment of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee Coordinator to appoint staff and determine structures, as well as its attempt to prevent executive involvement in intelligence operational matters, imply that some progress is being made.

Actions

In December, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni indicated that the act has not come into operation as it is awaiting a presidential proclamation. In the meantime, the Intelligence services were doing preparatory work required to operationalise the act, including the development of regulations contemplated in it and the design of organisational structures, systems and processes. The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been passed in parliament and enacted by the president.

Are there plans?

To implement the changes, particularly to complete the splitting the SSA.

Is it on the agenda?

Included in the recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Goals

The goal of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is to restructure SA’s intelligence services and improve oversight and accountability. The bill is designed to implement recommendations from the Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Ministry of Safety and Security The Presidency

Analyst: Nduduzo Langa
Status: in-progress
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