SA govt warns foreign intelligence: Obey laws or face counter-intelligence action

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has declared that all "foreign actors" operating in South Africa must do so within the bounds of the law.

She emphasised that foreign intelligence operatives based in the country must also respect the country's sovereignty in whatever activities they engage in while within South African borders.

Ntshavheni made these statements in a written parliamentary reply concerning the presence of foreign intelligence in the Republic.

MONITORING AND COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that South Africa's intelligence community "continuously monitors global and regional dynamics."

She noted that assessments in this domain typically highlight factors such as the "impact of great power competition on African economies and political stability."

Ntshavheni added that it is standard practice for sovereign states, including South Africa, "to monitor the activities of foreign intelligence services within their borders."

STRICT ADHERENCE TO LAW AND SOVEREIGNTY
The Minister reiterated the government’s position that all foreign actors operating in South Africa "must strictly respect our laws and sovereignty."

Ntshavheni concluded that the country's counter-intelligence capabilities are appropriately tasked to ensure that any activities contrary to South Africa’s national interest are identified and managed within the relevant legislation.