President Jacob Zuma has appointed a new head for the State Security Agency (SSA), following the departure of its director general in August.

Arthur Fraser has been appointed as the new director general and accounting officer of the SSA with effect from Monday, September 26, the state security ministry said in a statement.

He will be replacing Ambassador Sonto Kudjoe, who left the agency after three years at the helm.

Fraser was not new to intelligence, according to the ministry, having served in various positions.

One of which was the deputy director general of operations in the former National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

State Security Minister David Mahlobo said he believed Fraser was up to the job.

"We believe Mr Fraser is equal to the task and will provide the necessary leadership that will ensure the Agency is able to deliver on its constitutional and legal mandate of upholding national security," he said in a statement.