Gaye Davis
MO SHAIK, chief of the National Intelligence Co- ordinating Committee (Nicoc), is to quit his position at month-end for a new post in either the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Trade and Industry. Smart money is on the latter.
An announcement is expected shortly, but it is understood Shaik’s new job will see him based in Europe, working with South African trade representatives and devising ways for the country to achieve greater penetration of the market.
He is likely to be replaced as Nicoc co-ordinator by African National Congress MP Linda Mti, who currently chairs the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security and who has played a key role in Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.
Nicoc advises the government on intelligence policy, co-ordinates the activities of the country’s intelligence agencies and advises the government on threats and potential threats to the country and its people.
The intelligence committee is currently chaired by ANC MP Lindiwe Sisulu-Guma, recently appointed deputy minister of home affairs. Speculation as to a possible successor saw the spotlight fall on ANC MP Jennifer Schreiner, but she is believed to have declined the position.