Parliament, Wednesday, 30 November 2022 – Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel was today sworn in as the new Inspector-General of Intelligence in Parliament by Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath of the Western Cape High Court. The swearing-in of Mr Fazel is a culmination of a thorough appointment process by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) as stipulated in Section 7 (1) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, No. 40 of 1994, which states that the President shall appoint an Inspector-General of Intelligence (a) nominated by the Committee; and (b) approved by the National Assembly (NA) by a resolution supported by at least two-thirds of its members.
The appointment process included the publishing of an advertisement in national and local newspapers in all official languages on 2 June 2021 with a deadline of 30 July 2021 for applications, which was extended to 30 September 2021 to allow for maximum public consultation and participation on the work of Parliament due to the importance of the position. In accordance with the Act, the JSCI interviewed Mr Fazel as part of the 10 candidates shortlisted for the position on 8 and 9 February 2022. On 30 August 2022, the JSCI nominated Mr Fazel for approval by the NA, which was approved at its plenary sitting on 13 September 2022, followed by a recommendation for appointment by the President. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mr Imtiaz Fazel as the Inspector-General of Intelligence for a period of five years with effect from 1 November 2022.
The committee is grateful and looking forward to working with Mr Fazel as he is accountable, and reports, to the committee for the overall functioning of his office. The JSCI expects Mr Fazel to perform his duties and functions impartially and independently, in good faith and without fear, favour, bias or prejudice. As a foot soldier of the JSCI, the Inspector-General of Intelligence plays a crucial role in deepening oversight since he is able to monitor compliance by the services, review their activities, receive and investigates complaints and perform all other functions as contained in the Act. The Chairperson of the JSCI, Mr Jerome Maake, wishes Mr Fazel well as he officially undertakes his duties as the Inspector-General of Intelligence for the next five years.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, MR JEROME MAAKE
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