A school to train spies and intelligence agents may soon be established in South Africa, once the Intelligence Services Bill, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, becomes law.
The measure proposes the foundation of a South African National Academy of Intelligence. Briefing Parliament’s ad hoc committee on intelligence, intelligence ministry legal adviser (Ms) Taki Netshitenzhe said the academy would liaise with other educational institutions to recruit ”cadets”.
The intelligence bill also seeks to bring the intelligence services in line with the public service in terms of conditions of service. Among other things, it provides for the establishment of the Intelligence Services Council on Conditions of Service, which will conduct research, and review and monitor policy implementation.
Netshitenzhe said the measure also sought to prohibit former intelligence services members from disclosing classified information.
It would restrict employment in the security industry for three years after a member had left the service.
In terms of the bill, it was a criminal offence for former intelligence personnel and others, such as members of the media, who have been privy to classified information, to disclose that information, she said.
Referring to the academy, Netshitenzhe said the institution would offer bursaries to prospective students, and award degrees and diplomas to successful graduates.
A second intelligence bill, the Electronic Communications Security (Pty) Limited Bill — also tabled on Tuesday — seeks to set up an agency to provide secure electronic communications services to government.
All departments and organs of state will be compelled to buy their electronic communications products and systems through this company.
According to a memorandum attached to the bill, the company’s aim is to protect and secure the state’s electronic communications from unauthorised access or ”other related technical or electronic threats”.
The ad hoc committee is expected to hold public hearings on the two pieces of legislation, along with the Intelligence Services Control Amendment Bill and the National Strategic Intelligence Amendment Bill, later this week. – Sapa