<\/p>\n
AfriForum, South Africa\u2019s Afrikaner civil society organisation, has issued a strong response to recent statements by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, concerning the role of the State Security Agency (SSA) in monitoring and acting against misinformation.<\/span><\/p>\n During a National Council of Provinces session on Tuesday, May 25, 2025, Ntshavheni announced that the SSA would be taking steps against individuals and organisations spreading what the government considers misinformation about South Africa. <\/span><\/p>\n She expressed concerns over claims by some minority groups alleging genocide activities by the South African government, assertions that experts and independent analysts have dismissed as misinformation, particularly relating to South Africa\u2019s stance on Israel\u2019s military operations in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, responded to these developments in an interview with on Wednesday, strongly criticising the government’s approach. <\/span><\/p>\n He argued that the South African government focuses on prosecuting organisations like AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement for engaging with international entities, including the US Department of State and former President Donald Trump\u2019s administration.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe South African government now wants to prosecute AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement because these organisations dared to engage with President Trump\u2019s administration and the US Department of State. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is an alarming attempt to silence voices that challenge the official narrative.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He further criticised the government\u2019s actions, suggesting they reflect an increasingly oppressive climate. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Presidency\u2019s attempts to silence opposing voices through intimidation and prosecution do not create a favourable environment, especially with President Ramaphosa\u2019s planned visit to Washington,\u201d Kriel said. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSuch tactics resemble those used by authoritarian regimes rather than democratic societies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n AfriForum expressed concern that the government\u2019s focus on monitoring and potentially prosecuting organisations based on their international engagement could undermine democratic freedoms and stifle legitimate debate.<\/span><\/p>\n Kriel accused the government of turning to undemocratic tactics.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Presidency now appears to be resorting to actions reminiscent of oppressive regimes to silence dissenting voices. This not only threatens civil liberties but also risks damaging South Africa\u2019s reputation on the international stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In her parliamentary address, Minister Ntshavheni emphasised the importance of safeguarding national security. <\/span><\/p>\n She explained that the SSA actively monitors international political movements and support groups due to concerns over their potential influence on South Africa\u2019s domestic affairs. <\/span><\/p>\n She highlighted efforts to combat disinformation campaigns, cyber operations, and ideological influences that could undermine public trust and destabilise democratic institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDisinformation and foreign influence operations pose significant risks to our democracy,\u201d Ntshavheni said. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe SSA\u2019s vigilance is essential to protect South Africa\u2019s sovereignty and ensure the stability of our democratic processes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n While the government emphasised the need to combat disinformation and protect national interests, AfriForum argues that such measures risk undermining democratic rights and suppressing legitimate dissent.<\/span><\/p>\n thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za<\/span><\/p>\n Politics<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AfriForum, South Africa\u2019s Afrikaner civil society organisation, has issued a strong response to recent statements by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, concerning the role of the State Security Agency (SSA) in monitoring and acting against misinformation. During a National Council of Provinces session on Tuesday, May 25, 2025, Ntshavheni announced that the SSA would […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[8765,1056,353,409,13749,17419,6308],"class_list":["post-240312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-politics","tag-afriforum","tag-backlash","tag-comments","tag-minister","tag-misinformation","tag-ntshavheni039s","tag-spark"],"yoast_head":"\nAfriForum Response<\/span><\/h2>\n
Concerns Over Democratic Freedoms and International Relations<\/span><\/h2>\n
Government\u2019s Perspective on Security and Misinformation<\/span><\/h2>\n