DA requests meeting of JCSI over problematic Fraser appointment
27 September 2016
Yesterday’s appointment of Arthur Fraser as the new Director-General (D-G) of the State Security Agency (SSA) illustrates once again how Minister David Mahlobo and his cronies continue to have unbridled access to the security services without civilian oversight.
Fraser’s appointment comes despite the fact that the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) have not met since 26 May.
It follows an unsuccessful bid by the ANC to have former JSCI Chairperson, Cecil Burgess, appointed as Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI). The DA successfully blocked the appointment Burgess, the architect of the "Secrecy Bill" and a “whitewashed” report on “Nkandlagate”. Sadly, this crucial post remains vacant.
Similar to Burgess, serious questions regarding Fraser's suitability for the position must be posed.