The first national academy for intelligence in South Africa was opened in Mafikeng in the North West on Friday. Deputy President Jacob Zuma told the opening ceremony that the establishment of the academy showed that intelligence had become an indispensable tool in the management of modern states operating in
an increasingly complex world.
”It has become a key factor in decision-making processes of government around the world.”
He said the role of intelligence in South Africa was to create a greater knowledge and understanding which would have a positive impact on decision-making processes. ”Information is flooding the decision-making systems of governments and produces an overload of information as well as disinformation. Intelligence assists governments in making sense out of this avalanche,” Zuma said.
He said that due to security challenges facing the world, especially terrorism and other forms of violent extremism, South Africa definitely needed a high-class intelligence service.
The SA National Academy for Intelligence would ensure the country’s intelligence operatives reached a level of excellence that could compare with the best across the globe.
He said the academy would not only concentrate on skills training, but would also educate and empower people to operate at the highest levels of decision-making in the country.
”They would only be able to do so if they are thoroughly grounded in the environment they operate in.”
Zuma said he hoped the academy would make its expertise available to all the government structures and the rest of the continent in support of the African Union and its programmes, including the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
He wished the academy well in all its future endeavours. ”I am confident that this academy will further strengthen our resolve and efforts to build a better life for all our people, free from poverty, hunger and disease.
”It will no doubt greatly enhance the quality of intelligence on which our government bases its policies.” – Sapa