Pretoria - The signal disruptions in the National Assembly ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Thursday were “unintentional” and “regrettable”, says State Security Minister David Mahlobo.
“We never issued any political or executive decision to interfere with the flow of communication,” said the Minister when answering questions from the media on Thursday during the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster briefing.
Minister Mahlobo said there was no signal jamming.
“If there was jamming, there would have been a total shutdown. There was an interruption in signal. There were glitches … even we didn't have the signal.”
Last Thursday, journalists and some MPs protested against cell phone signals being blocked in Parliament. Journalists objected in the press gallery because they could not file their stories.
The signal was restored after National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete asked the secretary to Parliament to look into the matter.
Last night, Minister Mahlobo issued a statement saying the signal disruption was caused by an operational error by a member on duty. The operator failed to properly terminate the device and this impacted on proper access to some users of mobile phones.
A departmental investigation is currently underway with the possibility of disciplinary action against those responsible for this operational failure.
“We are on record as saying we regret the interruption of signal. We condemn it...” said Minister Mahlobo.
Explaining the involvement of the State Security Agency, Minister Mahlobo reiterated that they are responsible for threat and risk assessment. On the day of SONA, State Security was supporting SA National Defence Force efforts to enforce airspace security.
“[This was not] our first participation in SONA … and it will not be the last time, as we have also participated in other major events in the country,” said the Minister.
He said that threats on the day of SONA were unprecedented. As part of security measures, a no-fly zone over Parliament and the areas surrounding it was declared.
“Our threat analysis was not narrow but broad. As you know, the world has changed and there is terrorism and we needed to ensure that were are secured…” the Minister said.
Reinforcing security
Chair of the cluster, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, echoed Minister Mahlobo’s comments, saying their planning was based on the normal operations of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and included information based on threats to disrupt the SONA.
“We must not pretend there was no threat. There was a threat to disrupt SONA - it was in the media,” she said.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said their planning thus took into account this threat and they made their deployments accordingly.
As part of operations, the Minister confirmed that they deployed various “instruments and bodies” on the ground.
“We will always have our devices placed at strategic points to secure you, to secure the country,” the Minister said, adding that this was “one isolated incident”.
She said the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has indicated that there is nothing wrong with the State Security Agency possessing such equipment.
She said the deployment of counter-intelligence measures, where the Head of State and Government is in attendance, is in line with international risk assessment and crisis management procedures.
Turning to the presence of the South African National Defence Force during SONA, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said they have always been a common feature.
She said the army was not deployed to the Assembly but as part of the entertainment.
She did, however, confirm that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed. The Minister stressed that the intention was not to attack anyone.
“The intention was not to attack anyone, but to remove anyone who disrupted the proceedings as we had absolutely no intention of preventing SONA from proceeding,” she said, adding that their duty as was to protect – something they are unapologetic about.
On the question of why SAPS officers were wearing civilian clothes, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko said it was an operational decision.
Meanwhile, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said after the incident during SONA, South Africa needed a moment to reflect.
“After this type of incident, I think we need reflection. I think we need a national dialogue.” – SAnews.gov.za
