ANCYL slams NIA

2005-10-30 13:53

Jimmy Seepe

Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League has again taken a swipe at the National Intelligence Agency, accusing the NIA of "the blatant use of state resources to pursue narrow self-seeking agendas" and settle personal scores.

The league made the claim in the latest issue of its online publication Hlomelang under the title "When is Intelligence Intelligent."

Drawing on various lessons globally of how intelligence could be used for political agendas, it warned that "as a country we must tread carefullly and avoid falling into the same trap".

It said a need has arisen to take a serious look at the role of the intelligence community in defending the country's democracy and providing an effective service against domestic and foreign threats.

It said while it was necessary to deal with those within the intelligence agency who are found wanting, it was equally important to apply the rule of law in an even-handed manner " because if we do not, we run the risk of losing credibility and integrity".

"We are outraged at the blatant use of state resources to pursue narrow self-seeking agendas but the manner in which such abuse of authority is handled smacks of bias."

The league once again drew parallels in what it claims is the abuse of authority in the spy saga and the row involving Bulelani Ngcuka after the Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana ruled that Ngcuka had abused his office.

It asked "why is it that no such swift action was taken at a time when the public protector found that the NPA (National Prosecution Authority) abused its authority in the manner in which it pursued its case against the ANC deputy president".

The league said the finding of the public protector should have been enough to prompt swift action on the part of those entrusted with the "responsibility to ensure that our institutions of democracy uphold the value system".

It said: "Organs of the state entrusted with upholding our democratic principles and values must be beyond reproach and our leaders in government must similarly act in a manner that ensures this, not the other way round."

"In dealing with these matters during these challenging times, care must be taken not to undermine the confidence of the public in our government."

- City Press