Weak security forces threaten South African stability

Significance

These have long been matters of serious concern. President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 5 responded with a cabinet reshuffle that replaced the minister of defence, closed down the ministry of state security and moved intelligence agencies into the presidency.

Impacts

• Planned cuts to security force budgets will be politically unsustainable.
• Ramaphosa’s decision to retain Minister of Police Bheki Cele in post casts doubt on the prospects of much-needed police reform.
• Incorporating intelligence functions into the presidency may speed reforms but also poses long-term dangers of more abuses.