EDITORIAL | SA’s security cluster failed us in July. It cannot do so again

This week will test whether President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent cabinet reshuffle was worth the trouble.

It followed July’s unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, which raised questions about the mettle of SA’s security cluster.

Ramaphosa, in his reshuffle, fired defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has since resurfaced in parliament as speaker of the house, and brought the state security agency (SSA) under the presidency. 

The latter also delivered a blow to then minister Ayanda Dlodlo, who was shifted to public service and administration.

However, police minister Bheki Cele, who came under fire for his department’s incompetence, was left untouched.

After the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma, SA experienced the worst public violence, looting and damage to property since the dawn of democracy.

What was clear at the time, despite denials, was that the security cluster was caught napping.

That threat now looms large again after reports of a national shutdown by Zuma supporters.

The National Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) is aware of it, if a statement released by the body on Sunday is anything to go by.

It remains to be seen what the country’s security apparatus will do to deal with him to send a strong message that a repeat of last month will not be tolerated in a country where the rule of law reigns supreme.

The question, though, is what is it going to do to prevent recent history repeating itself?

Zuma’s supporters are brazen about their plans, bolstered by the security cluster’s ineptitude last month.

The evidence is in former ANCYL deputy president Andile Lungisa’s Friday tweet: “If the Constitutional Court don’t quickly address President Zuma’s illegal arrest by Wednesday 25 August 2021. We will take action.”

The NatJoints response?

“The NatJoints is aware of inflammatory messages on various social media platforms advocating for violence. Those behind these messages are warned that inciting violence is a criminal offence.”

That characters with questionable history, like Lungisa, find it so easy to issue such threats publicly is cause for concern.

It remains to be seen what the country’s security apparatus will do to deal with him to send a strong message that a repeat of last month will not be tolerated in a country where the rule of law reigns supreme.

Even worse, Lungisa is an ex-convict whose sentence for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was cut short with conditions that were never publicly communicated.

But NatJoints would have the country believe everything is under control.

“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and have, through the NatJoints, put measures in place to ensure the safety and security of South Africans amidst of ‘National Shutdown’ on 23 August 2021.”

Time will now tell whether Ramaphosa’s changes bear fruit or simply affirm his control of the political balance of forces within the ANC.

Even if nothing transpires this week, law enforcement agencies cannot afford to drop the ball should lawlessness rear its ugly head in the near future.