South Africa has released its most comprehensive national security framework to date.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warns of coordinated attempts to destabilise the state
On Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni tabled the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 and the new National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024–2029, revealing how intelligence services will now respond to evolving threats facing the state.
According to Ntshavheni, this is the first time in South Africa’s democratic history that intelligence documents of this nature are being made public in a transparent and structured format.
The NIE is a consolidated assessment of the threats and risks the country has faced over the last five years, while the NSS outlines how the state will respond over the next five years.
The National Intelligence Estimate identifies a range of threats.
These include illegal migration, espionage, organised crime, cyber threats, and risks to the economy, state institutions, and public safety.
The NSS, meanwhile, presents eight key focus areas — including national sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic stability, cyberspace, and social cohesion — to guide the country’s future response.
In her remarks, Ntshaveni said that intelligence structures are being repositioned to focus more closely on early warning systems, coordinated action within the SADC region, and protecting national sovereignty.
She pointed to foreign interference as a growing concern, saying the country must “identify and investigate the activities of foreign intelligence services” and respond to actors attempting to destabilise South Africa through both online and real-world means
Intelligence services are now mandated to counter terrorism precursors
The strategy mandates intelligence agencies to detect and neutralise terrorism precursors and organised crime, while new resources will be dedicated to investigating cybercrimes and financial networks linked to illicit activities.
Special attention will be paid to regulating new technologies such as cryptocurrencies, which are increasingly being used in crimes like human trafficking and terror financing.
The Department also revealed that the state will enhance vetting for key public roles, especially where foreign nationals may gain access to classified information, and conduct risk assessments across state-owned enterprises.
The state is preparing to combat disinformation and cyber operations
A renewed cybersecurity policy is central to this, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities in public procurement and information systems
“Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia,” Ntshavheni said.
She reiterated that these changes come in response to recommendations made by the 2018 High-Level Review Panel, which warned that the lack of oversight and political accountability in South Africa’s intelligence services posed a direct threat to national security.
The NIE and NSS are intended to lay the foundation for what Ntshavheni called “a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight.”
While there is no explicit mention of an attempted or imminent coup, the language used suggests that intelligence services are now on high alert for any coordinated efforts that could undermine state stability.