To download an audio clip of the Acting Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, Mr Bheki Hadebe, click https://www.iono.fm/e/1400021
Parliament, Friday, 26 January 2024 – The Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill today held its first public engagement in Gauteng at the Tshwane Council Chambers. The committee welcomed approximately 240 members of the public, representing individual views and those of various civil society and political organisations.
Inputs raised included concern around the state of cyber-security in South Africa and the need for this to be addressed in the Bill. This was closely linked to the concept of data security and the right to privacy. Oral submissions also claimed that the Bill in its current form does not provide for adequate checks on bulk surveillance and therefore falls short in safeguarding privacy and freedom of expression.
The submissions received in Tshwane show general support for the Bill, with several members of the public noting the need for South Africa to have an intelligence service. Other inputs cautioned that the intelligence structures should remain accountable, as they have access to sophisticated technology that can be used against the people. As such, several members expressed the need for the powers of the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) to be strengthened, independence ensured, and further consideration be given to the length of the IGI’s term in office.
Inputs also delved into the technical drafting of the Bill and called for further deliberations on the definitions used in the Bill, as well as the concept of national security. Submissions also expressed the need for the powers of the Minister to be kept in check in terms of the day-to-day activities of the intelligence services. Other broader themes addressed in the oral submissions included high levels of crime affecting communities and the proliferation of undocumented migration. The public requested that intelligence operations also address crime and assist in strengthening border safeguarding.
The committee welcomed the inputs submitted by the people of Tshwane during today’s activities. The committee will have its second and final engagement in Gauteng tomorrow at the Jabula Recreation Centre in Johannesburg.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE GENERAL INTELLIGENCE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL, MR BHEKI HADEBE.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 377 0686
Email: fndenze@parliament.gov.za
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