It should be clear to coup plotters and mercenaries that their day in Africa has ended, Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said at the weekend.
Speaking at the weekend at the investiture of Mpakama Mbethe as the principal of the South African National Academy of Intelligence, Sisulu said the fact that the combined intelligence and security services of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea had stopped a coup in its tracks should make it clear that an era had gone.
”It should fill each one of us here with pride that our efforts are bearing fruit, that our efforts are heralding a new identity for Africa, an identity of stability.”
Sisulu said: ”South Africa and its security services are ready at all times to turn the noble commitment of African leaders into reality. We have occupied a particular vantage point.
”First, through our intelligence capacity, we have the means to detect these errant activities. Second, but sadly, we are the chief exporter of mercenary expertise and therefore it has been our responsibility, and I believe it was fitting that we should be at the centre of the defeat of this evil.”
South Africa could not be used as a ground to foment and plan coups. The National Intelligence Agency and the National Communications Centre were making sure that this did not happen and would not happen in the future.
”South Africa will not be used as a springboard to destabilise the African continent,” Sisulu said.
”The South African Secret Service will make sure that this does not take place because the security of legitimate governments in Africa is inextricably linked with our own stability and development.” – Sapa