Can state intelligence help prevent violent protests?
Does South Africa’s State Security Agency have a role in addressing violent protests, and on what terms?
South Africa has been rocked by university student protests driven by demands for free education. Many incidents of intimidation, violence and destruction of property have accompanied the protests. This comes at a time when violence associated with public protests is increasing in the country.
The State Security Agency (SSA) was recently tasked with gathering intelligence on those involved in violent protests. Should SSA have a role in addressing violent protests, and if so, what should it be? How should its involvement be regulated and can SSA be held to account by the public on this issue?
The Minister of State Security David Mahlobo will reflect on these questions, along with Professor Jane Duncan who authored Protest Nation: the Right to Protest in South Africa, and other civil society experts.
Chair: Judith February, Consultant, Governance, Crime and Justice, ISS
Speakers:
David Mahlobo, Minister of State Security
Professor Jane Duncan, University of Johannesburg
Mbalenhle Matandela, Regional Coordinator, Right2Protest, Centre for Applied Legal Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
