By Nco Dube | 17 February 2025

The world of espionage and intelligence is often romanticised in popular culture, with images of suave spies, high-tech gadgets, and dramatic chases dominating the narrative. However, the reality is far more complex and, at times, deeply troubling. Intelligence agencies, while vital for national security, have often been misused for political gain, both in South Africa and globally. This misuse has eroded public trust, undermined democratic institutions, and left a trail of controversy in its wake.

Spy Accusations in South Africa: A Legacy of Suspicion

South Africa’s history of espionage is deeply intertwined with its political struggles, particularly during the apartheid era. The African National Congress (ANC), as a liberation movement, was no stranger to the shadow of suspicion. The apartheid regime actively infiltrated liberation movements with spies and informers, creating an environment of intense paranoia. Accusations of being an impimpi (informer) or a spy could have dire consequences, including violence and death.

This culture of suspicion did not end with apartheid. In post-apartheid South Africa, spy accusations have continued to haunt the political landscape. One of the most infamous examples is the case of Bulelani Ngcuka, the former National Director of Public Prosecutions, who was accused of being an apartheid-era spy. These allegations, which emerged in the mid 2000s, were subsequently ‘disproved’ through the Hefer commission of Inquiry but caused significant damage to Ngcuka’s reputation and career.

Similarly, former President Jacob Zuma has faced repeated insinuations of being a spy, both during and after his presidency. Recently, former President Thabo Mbeki was reported to have reignited these accusations, suggesting that Zuma’s actions during the liberation struggle were suspicious and that his incarceration for 10 years on Robben Island without any record of his trial and conviction, was similarly suspicious. Ironically, Mbeki himself has not been immune to allegations of being a spy due to his perceived privilege and globetrotting during the struggle years in exile. During his presidency, rumours circulated that he was a spy for the apartheid regime, a claim he vehemently denied.

Even President Cyril Ramaphosa has not been spared. In 2018, Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People (COPE), stood in the National Assembly accused Ramaphosa of being an apartheid informant. These accusations, often politically motivated, highlight the enduring legacy of mistrust within South Africa’s political landscape.

The Misuse of Intelligence: South African Examples

The misuse of intelligence resources is not limited to historical spy accusations. In recent years, South Africa’s intelligence agencies have been embroiled in controversies that underscore the dangers of politicisation. The State Security Agency (SSA), in particular, has faced allegations of being used to settle political scores and suppress dissent.

One of the most glaring examples is the Browse Mole Report, a controversial intelligence document compiled in 2006 and leaked to the public in 2007. The report alleged that Jacob Zuma and his allies were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow then-President Thabo Mbeki. The report was later discredited, but it exposed the extent to which intelligence could be weaponised for political purposes.

The SSA has also been accused of targeting journalists, activists, and political opponents. During Zuma’s presidency, there were reports of the SSA being used to monitor and intimidate critics of the government. This misuse of intelligence not only undermines the credibility of the agency but also poses a significant threat to democracy.

The SSA has been accused of being deeply involved in internal ANC factional squabbles, further eroding its credibility and impartiality. Over the years, allegations have surfaced that the SSA was used as a tool to advance the interests of specific factions within the ANC, particularly during periods of intense internal conflict.

 For example, during the bitter rivalry between former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, the SSA was allegedly used to gather intelligence on Zuma and his supporters, feeding into the broader political battle. Similarly, during the tumultuous years of Zuma’s presidency, the SSA was accused of being weaponised to target his opponents, including those aligned with Cyril Ramaphosa. 

One of the most insidious aspects of these recurring spy accusations is their inherent unverifiability. The shadowy nature of espionage makes it exceptionally difficult to definitively prove or disprove allegations, leaving a lingering cloud of doubt and suspicion. This ambiguity is easily exploited for political gain, as accusations can be weaponised to tarnish reputations and sow discord without the burden of concrete evidence. The resulting atmosphere of mistrust erodes faith in political institutions, hinders genuine dialogue, and ultimately undermines the foundations of a healthy democracy, as citizens struggle to discern truth from manufactured narratives

These actions not only compromised the integrity of the intelligence agency but also deepened divisions within the ANC and the broader political landscape. The SSA’s involvement in factional politics highlights the dangers of politicising intelligence and underscores the urgent need for reform to ensure that such agencies serve the nation rather than narrow political interests.

Global Examples of Misused Intelligence

South Africa is not alone in grappling with the misuse of intelligence. Globally, intelligence agencies have been implicated in human rights abuses, illegal surveillance, and even assassinations. The Edward Snowden revelations in 2013 exposed the extent of mass surveillance by the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA), sparking a global debate about privacy and civil liberties.

Another stark example is the Iraq War, which was justified on the basis of flawed or false intelligence about weapons of mass destruction. The intelligence community’s failure to accurately assess the situation had catastrophic consequences, leading to a protracted conflict and the loss of countless lives.

In Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) has been accused of using intelligence to suppress political opposition and manipulate public opinion. The poisoning of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, is widely believed to have been carried out by the FSB.

The Need for Accountability and Reform

The misuse of intelligence, whether in South Africa or abroad, underscores the need for strong oversight mechanisms and a culture of accountability. In South Africa, the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) and the Inspector-General of Intelligence are tasked with overseeing the activities of intelligence agencies. However, concerns remain about their effectiveness and independence.

To restore public trust, South Africa’s intelligence services must become more transparent and accountable. This includes ensuring that intelligence is used solely for its intended purpose—protecting national security—and not as a tool for political manipulation.

The Role of Whistleblowers and Civil Society

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing within the intelligence community. Figures like Edward Snowden have risked their lives to reveal the extent of government surveillance and abuse of power. In South Africa, whistleblowers have also been instrumental in uncovering corruption and malfeasance within the intelligence sector.

Civil society organisations, too, have a vital role to play in holding intelligence agencies accountable. By advocating for transparency and human rights, these organisations help to ensure that intelligence agencies operate within the bounds of the law.

The Future of Intelligence in South Africa

As South Africa continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the role of intelligence agencies will remain critical. However, it is essential that these agencies operate with integrity and transparency. This requires not only robust oversight mechanisms but also a commitment to ethical leadership.

The lessons of the past must guide the future. By learning from the mistakes of history, South Africa can build an intelligence community that serves the interests of the people, rather than the ambitions of a few.

The world of espionage and intelligence is a double-edged sword. While intelligence agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, their misuse can have devastating consequences. South Africa’s history of spy accusations and the politicisation of intelligence highlight the need for vigilance and reform.

As we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to strike a balance between security and civil liberties. Only by holding intelligence agencies accountable and ensuring transparency can we prevent the abuses of the past from recurring. In the words of Edward Snowden, “The public needs to know the kinds of things a government does in its name, or the ‘consent of the governed’ is meaningless.”

Let us remain informed, vigilant, and committed to upholding the principles of democracy.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)