The General Information Law Amendment Act is still awaiting presidential proclamation.

twenty one

General Information Law Amendment Act

PRETORIA – The South African government’s efforts to reform its intelligence services have hit a snag, with the General Intelligence Act Amendment Act still not coming into force more than eight months after it was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The bill, which aims to split the National Security Agency into separate domestic and foreign divisions to address past wrongdoing and increase oversight, remains on hold as it awaits presidential proclamation to become operational. For ordinary citizens who expect a clean and effective security system to protect the country from threats such as terrorism and espionage, this delay raises questions about when real change will begin. As families enjoy the Christmas season and think of new beginnings, the holdup is a reminder of how slow government processes can be, even on important issues like fixing a system tainted by state capture. The law, signed into law on July 26, 2025, aims to rebuild trust after years of scandal, but without a declaration, key reforms such as increasing accountability and reducing political interference remain on paper. This wait has left intelligence agencies at a loss and calls for faster action to strengthen this critical part of our national security that affects us all.

Purpose of the Act: Reforming problematic information systems

The General Intelligence Law Amendment Act aims to overhaul South Africa’s intelligence framework by addressing the deficiencies identified during the State Capture Commission hearings. The bill proposes splitting the National Security Agency into two organizations: a domestic division that focuses on domestic threats, and a foreign division that handles international issues. The division aims to prevent the kind of overreach and abuse that has led to government agencies being used for political purposes in the past.

The law would strengthen oversight, require regular reports to parliament, and limit ministerial powers to avoid interference. Introduce stricter rules on surveillance to protect privacy rights and ensure surveillance requires a warrant. For those trying to understand, think of it as cleaning a messy room. Separate tasks to make everything run more smoothly and fairly, and prevent one person from controlling everything.

These changes stem from recommendations to address problems such as lack of accountability and political interference that have weakened the system. The law aims to make intelligence operations more effective against real threats such as cyber attacks and organized crime by creating clear roles.

Reason for delay: Declaration needed to jump-start reforms

More than eight months after President Ramaphosa signed the law on July 26, 2025, we are still waiting for it to be declared into force. A proclamation is a formal notice from the president that sets a start date for a law or section, allowing time to prepare new appointments, regulations, etc.
This holdup is tied to the need for detailed rules for how the split will work, including budgets and staff transfers. Without these, rushing the law can lead to confusion and legal flaws. The government said work is underway to draft regulations to support this, but no timeline has been given for a declaration.

This delay is not uncommon. Many laws take several months to enter into force to ensure a smooth rollout. But when it comes to intelligence reform, old problems, such as lax oversight that led to past abuses, will be left unaddressed for a long time. The wait has also fueled speculation about political reasons, although officials say it is to get the situation right.

National Security Implications: Surveillance and Efficiency Gap

Unless this law comes into force, South Africa’s intelligence services will continue under the old structure, with the National Security Agency handling both domestic and foreign missions. This can lead to blurred lines and risks of abuse, as seen in state captures where government agencies spy on rival companies or protect corrupt individuals.

This delay means that problems such as poor coordination and lack of transparency are delayed in fixing problems, and the response to threats such as terrorism and cyber-attacks is weakened. For citizens, it means that the systems to protect them are not yet fully equipped, leaving room for mistakes that cost lives and money.

On the positive side, waiting allows for thorough preparation, including training staff for new roles and establishing an oversight body. If implemented, this law could make services more efficient and focus expertise where it is needed.

Wider context: SA’s information reform after state capture

The law is based on the findings of the State Capture Commission, which exposed how government institutions were used for political gain during the Jacob Zuma government. The recommendations called for breaking up government agencies to prevent concentration of power and add checks such as parliamentary oversight.

Past scandals, including illegal spying on journalists and rivals, have damaged trust. This law aims to restructure this by limiting ministers’ powers and requiring reporting on their activities. This ties in with global trends where intelligence agencies face increased scrutiny for privacy violations.

In South Africa, reforms are part of a broader anti-corruption effort, as are police and prosecutors. For the people, it means hope for a just system rather than personal goals.

Public reaction: Frustration over delays and calls for action

Many South Africans have expressed dissatisfaction with the wait times, seeing this as another example of the government delaying action on important reforms. Activists have called for the declaration to be speeded up, saying delays leave the system at risk of abuse. Some speculate that there are political reasons, such as internal ANC debates over information control.

Others understand the need for careful deployment and point out that hasty changes can cause disruption. Overall, there is a push for timeline transparency to maintain trust in the process.

Looking to the future: When will this law take effect?

As the bill has been signed but is pending, all eyes are on President Ramaphosa’s declaration. Once published, different sections can be started simultaneously or in stages, allowing for a smooth transition. The government has hinted at continued efforts, so it could be triggered in early 2026.

For SA, complete reform means a stronger and fairer information system that protects without going overboard. As the wait continues, hopes grow that this step will help heal the wounds of the past and build a secure future for all.

🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the latest print and e-editions | Suspended Ekurhuleni deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi vows ‘I can’t leave my children behind to go to prison’ amid intense Blue Light investigation 🔴

Download here ⬇️⬇️⬇️