South Africa\u2019s spy agency is beefing up its economic intelligence unit so it can play a proactive role in supporting the nation\u2019s companies as they expand beyond their home base.<\/p>\n
Firms that could benefit from the intelligence operatives\u2019 expertise include telecommunications giant MTN Group Ltd and Sasol Ltd, the world\u2019s largest producer of motor fuel from coal, according to State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo. MTN operates in 21 markets, while Sasol\u2019s business spans 30 countries.<\/p>\n
Many nations\u2019 intelligence agencies \u201csupport big conglomerates that have invested in other countries. That is what we need to be doing,\u201d she said in a May 18 interview. \u201cThat work has begun in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic and other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
The South African State Security Agency\u2019s primary task is to monitor and identify threats to national security. Its ability to fulfill that function and promote the nation\u2019s economic interests has been undermined by management shortcomings and its immersion in political power battles within the ruling party during former president Jacob Zuma\u2019s rule – problems Dlodlo has pledged to address.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we cannot speak with any certainly on the import of Minister Dlodlo\u2019s comments, we appreciate that Sasol is rightly considered a critical and strategic contributor to the South African economy\u201d and plays a key role in safeguarding the security of the nation\u2019s liquid fuels supply,\u201d the company said in an emailed response to questions. \u201cBoth in our home country and in other parts of the globe we do business in, we consider it our responsibility to cooperate with government agencies, our fence-line communities, investors and our other stakeholders.\u201d<\/p>\n
MTN didn\u2019t reply to questions. Dlodlo didn\u2019t indicate whether firms had been approached to see if they wanted assistance.<\/p>\n
The minister also wants South Africa to derive greater benefit from its involvement in peacekeeping efforts in war-torn countries elsewhere on the continent, saying its efforts have on occasion worked to its detriment.<\/p>\n
Almost 1,000 South African troops are currently based in eastern Congo, where they form part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. The country is also involved in helping combat piracy off the coast of neighboring Mozambique and has participated in peacekeeping efforts in Burundi.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of South African soldiers were also stationed in the CAR, following the signing of a cooperation accord between the two countries in 2007. That operation was terminated in 2013, after rebel forces killed at least 15 of its personnel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have lost blood, sweat and tears. We have lost money in our investment for peace,\u201d Dlodlo said. \u201cMy economic intelligence unit must assist government to unearth the economic opportunities that can be derived from what we have put into these countries.\u201d<\/p>\n