Intelligence office, Parly continue back and forth on powers and autonomy
The office is responsible for overseeing all the country’s intelligence services, and reports to Parliament on any misdemeanours that have been committed.
Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel. Picture: X/@SAgovnews
CAPE TOWN - Parliament is looking at giving Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel, more autonomy in the running of the office.
But it stopped short of agreeing to make its recommendations binding.
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The office is responsible for overseeing all the country’s intelligence services, and reports to Parliament on any misdemeanours that have been committed.
An ad hoc committee on Parliament is currently deliberating on finalising a new intelligence law that would de-establish the State Security Agency, and create two new intelligence units: foreign and domestic.
When the General Laws Intelligence Amendment Bill was tabled in Parliament in November last year, Fazel bemoaned the fact that his office was not involved in the drafting of this legislation.
He asked for this office to be unshackled from the department it oversees, and that the Security Agency be compelled to implement his recommendations.
However, the ad hoc committee on intelligence said Parliament would ensure that new state security agencies and the minister comply.
The African National Congress’ (ANC) Bheki Hadebe said, “We are saying they must report on a quarterly basis, or as and when the need arises.”
The committee has, however, agreed to a proposal that the IGI’s office control its own budget, and have a say on its organisational structure and appointments.
Deliberations on the bill continue.