Presidential Protection Unit
The Presidential Protection Unit is a specialised division within the South African Police Service (SAPS) responsible for the security and protection of the President of South Africa, the Deputy President and visiting heads of state. The unit operates under the broader mandate of the SAPS VIP Protection Services and is tasked with ensuring the physical safety of the country's highest-ranking officials during official engagements, travel and public appearances. Officers assigned to the unit undergo rigorous training in close protection, threat assessment, defensive driving and firearms proficiency. The unit coordinates with intelligence agencies and other security structures to identify and mitigate potential risks to the President and other protectees. Its operations include advance security planning for presidential visits, securing venues and managing security protocols during state functions. The Presidential Protection Unit has occasionally been the subject of public scrutiny and oversight investigations, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct, resource allocation and adherence to proper procedures. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the Public Protector have jurisdiction to investigate complaints involving members of the unit. The unit's work is governed by the South African Police Service Act and relevant national security legislation. It remains a critical component of South Africa's executive security architecture, balancing the need for effective protection with accountability and transparency.
Presidential Protection Unit Updates
Police committee to engage impeachment committee over processes to invite Major General Rhoode over Phala Phala
12th June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Police has resolved that there is a need to engage the Impeachment Committee to prevent duplication of oversight work on... →
ActionSA Requests Public Protector To Reopen Phala Phala Investigation
16th April 2026 ActionSA has written to the Public Protector, urging her to reopen the Phala Phala investigation and to focus on the potential culpability of those... →
ActionSA wants probe into Phala Phala misconduct findings 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 10th April 2026 ActionSA’s parliamentary team is writing to the Portfolio Committees on the Presidency and on Police to institute an urgent inquiry into reported... →
ActionSA Secures IPID Phala Phala Report Revealing Major Findings Against the President’s Protectors Have Been Ignored
10th April 2026 After a year of fighting for the full investigation report from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into the conduct of members... →
IPID Must Now Unseal Declassified Phala Phala Report After ActionSA’s Unrelenting Pressure
2nd March 2026 ActionSA’s fight against IPID’s decision to classify their Phala Phala report has finally been won, with the Minister announcing the... →
ActionSA to challenge ‘top secret’ Phala Phala report
By: Thabi Shomolekae 13th January 2026 ActionSA said on Tuesday it has begun preparing legal papers to challenge the decision of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to... →
ActionSA Prepares Legal Challenge to Unseal IPID's Phala Phala Report
13th January 2026 ActionSA has begun preparing legal papers to challenge the decision of the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) to classify the... →
ActionSA Lodges Appeal Against IPID Phala Phala Ruling
10th December 2025 ActionSA has lodged a formal appeal against IPID’s refusal to unseal their investigation report investigating the conduct of the Presidential... →
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