STATEMENT BY MINISTER LN SISULU: SECURITY COMPETENCE TESTING OF PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CORP CANDIDATES

Issued by: GCIS

27 April 2002

Last week Friday a concern regarding alleged unsavoury questions put to candidates for the Presidential Press Corp (PPC) was brought to my attention. I immediately undertook to look into the matter. A comprehensive investigation of records on the interviews with candidates was conducted and I found that no unsavoury questions posed by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) members related to the President as was reported in the media.

I do though understand that some of the candidates might have found the questioning uncomfortable and as indicated last week we sincerely apologise for this. We have already addressed queries that arose on the processes of security competence test for members of the PPC and wish to clarify the following:

• the candidates are required to reply to a questionnaire which established the information required for minimum clearance considerations;
• if and where necessary, follow-up interviews are to be conducted;
• and polygraph test do not form part of the normal clearance process.

While our investigation has been concluded, I urge and PPC candidate who might still feel aggrieved to raise your concerns directly with me so that they are addressed.

It should be borne in mind that the security competence test is a vital counter intelligence method, and in every sense is aimed at eliminating any threats to the protection of strategic state information and the life of the President and Cabinet members.

Further enquiries may be directed to Lorna Daniels on 083-441-9989.