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State Security Agency (SSA) of South Africa has refuted claims that the Minister in the Presidency Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has launched ‘Operation Sibonkolo’ to discredit top leaders of the African National Congress (ANC).
According to the Agency in a statement, it is unconventional for it to respond to media reports, but given the nature of the allegations, SSA felt the need to clarify the matter and dismissed the claims as “diversionary tactics”.
Reports are that, Ntshavheni has launched smear campaign on the Deputy President Paul Mashatile through Operation Sibonkolo, the operation not only focuses on Mashatile but nine other top leaders of the ANC. It is alleged that the Minister in the Presidency has her eye set on the top six position of the ANC, so by smearing and discrediting the targeted names, she will somehow increase her chances into the top leadership of the party.
Other names in the hit list include: Mmamoloko Kubayi, former Minister Zizi Kodwa, former political adviser to Cyril Ramaphosa, Bejani Chauke, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Panyaza Lesufi and Zamani Saul.
In response to these allegations, the Agency said these tactics seek to paint the SSA as an agency stuck in a rouge mode.
“As a matter of fact, the SSA does not have an operation called Sibonkolo or any operation focused on the manipulation of the state apparatus to further or undermine any individual political ambitions. The work of the SSA is governed by established Operational Directives, whilst the process to establish the necessary Regulations is underway. In addition, the established (through legislation) oversight mechanisms are fully operational,” said the SSA.
