Minister of Intelligence Siyabonga Cwele of South Africa

Cwele was one of a few ANC MPs who stood up to ex-president Mbekis strong executive, and he is said to have a good grasp of the intelligence system.

A committed nonracialist, activist for social justice and humanist, Dr Siyabonga Cwele has endeared himself to all who have engaged him.

Fever Newsby Johan Pretorius03 October 2008 Cwele said that his appointment to the intelligence portfolio had come as a surprise.

Committee chairperson Siyabonga Cwele said that the motive behind the report was not ideological, but part of efforts to get access to state money.

Cwele said the committee has no authority to suggest what steps should be taken against Scorpions head Leonard McCarthy in light of these "severe findings.

Cwele has distinguished himself as a hardworking and competent Parliamentarian.

Cwele said his appointment to his new position came as a surprise.

Speaking to media at the Intelligence Services Day in memory of National Intelligence officials who have died in the past year, South African Intelligence Minister Siyabonga Cwele said while "vibrant political debate" is expected, the security sector is prepared.

Chairperson Dr Siyabonga Cwele said after a committee meeting - normally closed to the media and others - that they welcomed the commission's appointment.

Cwele said it was a universally accepted principle that information in the possession of the intelligence services could not be made public.

Intelligence Minister Siyabonga Cwele was however clear about Lekota's spying concerns: he has looked into the allegations and found no evidence of any unlawful operation by the National Intelligence Agency.

Another mammoth task Cwele is facing is to bust drug trafficking and other smuggling.

Cwele said that his appointment to the intelligence portfolio had come as a surprise.

The National Intelligence Agency was investigating a cash-in-transit heist which took place outside its headquarters in Pretoria, Intelligence Minister Siyabonga Cwele said today.

Cwele was reported to have been unhappy at the way state agents had been conducting business in the past few years.

Cwele said the motive behind the report was not ideological, but part of efforts to get access to state money.

Cwele said there was no link between efforts to disband the Scorpions and the timing of the release of the committee's findings.