Anc Succession: Ntshavheni Denies Claim Of Anti-mashatile Ssa Operation
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has denied claims that she initiated a State Security Agency SSA operation to monitor and smear certain African National Congress ANC leaders, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Sunday World reported on 23 March that an intelligence report accused Ntshavheni of setting up Operation Sibonkolo to further her political ambitions.
Besides Mashatile, others allegedly targeted by the operation include:
- Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
- Former minister Zizi Kodwa.
- ANC National Executive Committee NEC member Bejani Chauke.
- International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.
- Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.
- Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
- Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul.
SSA falls under Ntshavhenis purview in the Presidency. In a statement on Sunday, it dismissed the claims as diversionary tactics against the progress being made to transform the Agency as recommended by the High-Level Review Panel.
These tactics seek to paint the SSA as an agency stuck in a rogue mode, it added.
As a matter of fact, the SSA does not have an operation called Sibonkolo or any operation focused on the manipulation of the state apparatus to further or undermine any individual political ambitions.
SSA said its work is governed by established Operational Directives as a process to establish the necessary regulations is underway.
President Cyril Ramaphosas second term as ANC President will end in December 2027 when the party is expected to hold its next national conference.
By virtue of his position, Mashatile is seen as a frontrunner in the emerging succession debate. He has won the early backing of ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale .
Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula also said recently that some within the party want him to be president .