There are enough checks and balances to ensure that the State Security Agency is not compromised by the Presidency.

This is the assessment of criminologist Dr Simon Howell.

He was speaking as the cabinet reshuffle announced by the President saw some departments being broken up, while others were absorbed.

The State Security Agency had come under focus by the Zondo Commission for allegedly allowing the Zuma administration to manipulate its functions.

However, there appears to be little criticism for the Ramaphosa administration for bringing the SSA under the umbrella of the Presidency.

Howell meanwhile notes that Sydney Mufamadi’s appointment as State Security Advisor, could bring a sense of direction within the security cluster.

He also notes that Police Minister Bheki Cele must thank his alliances in the ANC for coming out unscathed in the reshuffle.

Minister Cele is the only member of the Security Cluster to remain in his portfolio.

Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula has since been replaced by National Assembly Speaker, Thandi Modise as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

Ayanda Dlodlo has been moved from the State Security department to Public Servants and Administration.

The Security Cluster has come under fire from all quarters at it failed to protect key infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month.

[Header image: GCIS]