Civil society pushes Parliament to give powers to the Inspector-General of Intelligence

CAPE TOWN - Civil society is pushing Parliament to give greater powers to the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) as the so-called Spy Bill goes through a second round of public comment.

They want Parliament to make sure recommendations made by the IGI are binding on State security agencies.

Intelligence watchdogs have largely welcomed amendments to the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill made by the National Assembly to guard against the abuse of the security services for nefarious ends.

However, during oral hearings in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, they called for provisions to be tightened even more also to protect the public’s right to privacy.

After a legacy of abuse during the State capture years - civil society groups say the revised version of the Spy Bill needs even more refinement to keep the intelligence services in check.

The parliamentary coordinator of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, Matthew Parks, says the role of the Inspector General of Intelligence is critical to this.

Suggestions have even been made that Parliament be allowed to advise the IGI on investigations that need to be done.

"We are still concerned around the findings of the inspector general being made binding upon the organs of state whom the constitution mandated to monitor."

Intelwatch’s Liezl Swart says the public also needs better protection against the bulk interception of communication.

"We can’t leave it [for inclusion] in the regulations that the minister must still make, and that the minister can potentially make in secret and can change in secret."

It’s now looking increasingly unlikely the bill will be passed by both houses of Parliament before the term ends in less than a month.

Public hearings are scheduled for the Free State this week.