SSA committed to finalising security clearances

Thursday, August 23, 2018

The State Security Agency (SSA) says it is giving all the necessary support required by the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, especially with regards to the issue of security clearances.

The commission, which is led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, has raised concerns on the delay in the issuing of security clearances for staff working at the commission.

State Security Minister Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba said she has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zondo to provide clarity on the issue of security clearances.

“I have provided a breakdown of all the security clearances issued and those that remain outstanding, including some of the delays occasioned by the applicants, some of whom have flatly refused to subject themselves to the process,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

In this regard, Letsatsi-Duba said all requests received for “confidential” security clearance have been completed and what remains is the higher level “top secret” security clearances.

“I have also given an undertaking that the remaining work shall be completed by no later than 21 September 2018,” the Minister said.

Over and above the vetting services, which included security, cyber, counterintelligence and vetting awareness, Letsatsi-Duba said SSA also administered technical surveillance countermeasures and threats and risk assessment.

“I wish to reiterate that we remain committed to assisting the commission to fulfil its mandate and will ensure the completion of the outstanding work in this regard.”

The first public hearing in the much-awaited inquiry into allegations of State capture, corruption, fraud in government and State-owned entities got underway in Parktown, Johannesburg, this week. – SAnews.gov.za