Intelligence body claims challenge Ramaphosa clean-up

Significance

The statements provided detail to supplement the findings of a 2018 review of the SSA, ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The latest allegations imply a significant undermining of democracy, while highlighting the apparent lack of urgency in carrying out the review's recommendations.

Impacts

• Regional crises and geopolitical concerns will reaffirm the need to rehabilitate international intelligence-gathering capacity.
• Alleged political factionalism and manipulation of media will hurt an industry already facing major systemic, including ethical, challenges.
• Successful prosecutions based on often-unsubstantiated statements of middle-ranking current and former officials will prove difficult.