Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
PRETORIA, South Africa — The South African government is monitoring Trump-linked political movements for national security risks. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni confirmed on Thursday that the State Security Agency (SSA) was intensifying scrutiny of international political movements tied to former US President Donald Trump, citing potential risks to South Africa’s sovereignty, stability, and developmental agenda. The announcement follows rising global unease over foreign movement and influence campaigns impacting domestic affairs.
Under the National Strategic Intelligence Act (Act No. 39 of 1994) and amendments under the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB), the SSA is mandated to identify and counter threats ranging from terrorism and espionage to disinformation and ideological interference. Minister Ntshaveni noted that movements supporting Trump’s political agenda, particularly those with links to local groups, are under review for their capacity to disrupt national unity, economic progress, and social cohesion.
“The SSA has noted developments surrounding Trump-aligned activities and their potential implications for South Africa,” Ntshaveni stated. “We remain vigilant against external interference that could compromise our sovereignty or destabilise public trust in democratic institutions.”
The agency highlighted concerns over disinformation campaigns, cyber operations, and foreign ideological influence, which it warned could exacerbate political polarisation and weaken governance. Security experts echoed these fears, noting that emerging democracies like South Africa were increasingly vulnerable to globalised misinformation networks.
While the SSA assured citizens that no “immediate, large-scale threat” has been detected, it stressed continuous monitoring of the fluid geopolitical landscape. The agency’s restructuring under GILAB, which splits the SSA into separate foreign and domestic entities, will see the newly formed Domestic Intelligence Agency (DIA) assume responsibility for countering internal threats.
More from Africa News 24
Putin and Trump hold phone call, discuss Ukraine ceasefire and humanitarian measures
The move aligns with broader efforts to bolster South Africa’s defences against hybrid threats, blending cyberattacks, propaganda, and economic sabotage. In monitoring the movements, Ntshaveni reiterated the government’s commitment to constitutional principles, stating that all actions would prioritise national interests and citizen well-being.
Analysts have warned that the intersection of global political extremism and digital platforms posed unprecedented challenges. “Coordinated responses across government, civil society, and the private sector are critical to safeguarding democratic integrity,” said one security expert, who spoke anonymously.
As the DIA takes shape, its focus will include mitigating risks from both domestic and internationally linked groups. For now, the SSA urged public vigilance while reaffirming its proactive stance in a world where “the boundaries between foreign and domestic threats continue to blur.”
