Why new ministers can’t just reject security ‘perks’
A new crop of ministers is heading to work, and some do not want to work with the security details.
Photo: Unsplash/Max Fleischmann
Lester Kiewit speaks with Conroy Herandien, former presidential bodyguard
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
Only one day after the announcement of the new minister portfolios, some are already rocking the boat.
The new Minister of Correctional Services, the FF+’s Pieter Groenewald, has said he will not operate with a blue light brigade.
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DA leader, John Steenhuisen, who is now the minister of agriculture, has also previously spoken of not using this security service is he came to power.
However, it is not that simple.
Herandien says that when a minister assumes office, they have to adhere to the security policy issued by the state security agency.
“I cannot see how a minister can function without state protection.”
- Conroy Herandien, former presidential bodyguard
He adds that he does see the blue light brigades being abused, and is in favour of this being changed, but says that there is a need for them at national level.
For example, if a minister is travelling to a briefing, they cannot be carrying documents of state importance without state protection.
“You cannot go to cabinet and say you forgot your Cabinet file in an uber somewhere.”
- Conroy Herandien, former presidential bodyguard
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.