The State Security Agency (SSA) is the department of the South African government with overall responsibility for civilian intelligence operations.
[7] The SSA’s focus on state security is significant and is best understood in the context of the evolution of South African politics since 1961.
This gave rise to the Bureau of State Security (BOSS), which came to an end after the Info Scandal, which involved the use of secret funds and covert capabilities to manipulate public opinion via the media, was revealed.
[13][14] This organisation was hawkish and favoured the military,[15] and was formed as a direct result of the emergence of paramilitary police units.
[16] While this process was unfolding, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) was created but remained in the shadow under the leadership of Dr Niel Barnard.
[22] Some of the areas the SSA focuses on are: The following pieces of legislation govern and manage the role of the State Security Agency:[23]: 329 The following people have held the position of Director-General since the restructure of the South African intelligence services in 2009: The following branches make up the State Security Agency: Previously known as the National Intelligence Agency, its mandate is gather and analyse intelligence concerning potential or existing threats to South Africa's security including economic, social, political and environmental issues.
[33]: 406 COMSEC (South Africa) (Electronic Communications Security (Pty) Ltd) Formed initially in 2002 as a private company called Civilian Intelligence Community, it became a government department in 2009 with a role to ensure that the government and civil service departments electronic communications are protected and secured.
[34] The council make recommendations to the minister on conditions of service and other human resources activities such as salaries, fringe benefits and performance measures for staff in the agency.