South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has confirmed that the threat of a possible coup d’état has been formally listed among the country’s key national risks in its National Security Strategy for 2024–2028.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament after the budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Ntshavheni stressed that while the threat exists, government intelligence agencies were actively monitoring the situation and have not detected any actual attempts in recent weeks.
“One of the risks is the risk of a coup d’état. We have identified it and we’ve put measures to mitigate against it. That’s why we say to South Africans, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa,” the minister said.
Her remarks came in the wake of explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and sparked fresh concerns about the integrity of the country’s security structures.
In response to the brewing controversy, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave and announced the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations. The commission will be chaired by retired Justice Madlanga and is expected to probe potential lapses in national security and misconduct within the police and intelligence sectors.
Ntshavheni assured the public that despite the absence of any immediate coup attempts, the possibility of destabilisation efforts by certain groups or individuals remained under close surveillance.
“In the last few days or in the last few weeks, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa. We can say that they are not people planning , they are, but we’re continuously monitoring them and making sure that we deal with those,” she stated.
She further committed that the State Security Agency (SSA) and other intelligence organs will fully cooperate with the Madlanga Commission.
“As I table this vote, I want to commit that the SSA and all intelligence structures that I am responsible for will avail themselves for the Judge Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as announced by the President,” Ntshavheni stated.
