Behind the Veil: Why Oversight Has Failed to Prevent Intelligence Politicisation in South Africa

Introduction

Intelligence agencies are critical to safeguarding national security, yet their potential misuse can threaten democratic governance. In South Africa, intelligence politicization has been a persistent issue, even with oversight mechanisms designed to ensure accountability and transparency. This explainer examines how such politicization has occurred, analyzing historical factors, weaknesses in oversight frameworks, and examples of institutional abuse. Finally, it offers recommendations for strengthening oversight to mitigate future risks.