There is a segregation of duties in terms of our own legislation that has been passed by the House. There is the role of an executive authority clearly spelt out. Then there is the role of the administration led by the accounting office. But, more importantly, if you work in the Intelligence community, you will know that the National Strategic Intelligence Act, as well as the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, says that, as a Minister, I must be able to have regulations and operational directives.
I don't implement operational directives. If people don't know our responsibility, we'll find time through the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and promote public awareness so that members will be able to respect the segregation of duties. I thank you.
Particulars regarding involvement of State Security Agency during State of the Nation Address
46. Mr M S Mbatha (EFF) asked the Minister of State Security:
In view of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, Act 11 of 2013, which specifically limits and mandates the State Security Agency's (SSA) functions to state security such as terrorism and coups and not political acts, (a) why was the SSA even involved at all during the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2015, (b) on what legal provisions does the SSA rely for such powers and (c) why did the signal jamming device target electronic communication from inside the Chamber of the Joint Sitting, instead of low-flying aircraft or other threats against the Government?