SSA Denies Operation Sibonkolo Allegations Report

n

The State Security Agency (SSA) has strongly denied claims linking it to a covert operation allegedly orchestrated by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

nnnn

Which claimed to have seen a classified intelligence document implicating Ntshavheni in an operation referred to as “Sibonkolo”. The report alleged that the minister misused state resources to monitor and discredit her political rivals, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and other high-ranking African National Congress (ANC) officials. According to the publication, the operation aimed to elevate Ntshavheni’s standing within the ANC's top six leadership.

nnnn

In a statement issued yesterday by the Ministry in the Presidency, the SSA dismissed the report as entirely false. The agency said it usually refrains from commenting on media articles but was compelled to do so due to the gravity and implications of the accusations.

nnnn

"The allegations regarding the so-called Operation Sibonkolo seek to undermine the important progress we have made to reform and transform the SSA in line with the recommendations of the High-Level Review Panel," the statement read.

nnnn

It added that reports of such operations misrepresent the agency as one still engaged in rogue activities and political interference—an image the SSA insists it has worked hard to shed.

nnnn

“The SSA does not have an operation named Sibonkolo, nor any operation aimed at manipulating state machinery to benefit or harm the political ambitions of any individual,” the agency clarified.

nnnn

The SSA further emphasised that all its operations are conducted under strict procedural frameworks. It stated that the agency operates within established operational directives and is in the process of developing the necessary regulatory mechanisms.

nnnn

“In addition, oversight mechanisms as outlined by legislation are fully operational and functional. These are in place to ensure accountability and transparency in all aspects of the SSA’s work,” the statement concluded.

nnnn

The SSA reaffirmed its commitment to national security, free from political interference, and called on the media to report responsibly, particularly on sensitive matters that affect state institutions and public trust.

n