Newly declassified intelligence records have reportedly exposed an operation in which State Security Agency insiders were placed inside the Economic Freedom Fighters to gather information and influence members politically.
According to News24, the records indicate that operatives were allegedly positioned within the EFF to monitor the party and encourage some members to return to the ANC.
The claims relate to an earlier period of the SSA and have emerged from documents that were previously classified. The specific operation reported by News24 has not been independently confirmed by the EFF or ANC.
SSA Had Documented Political Problems
The latest allegations come against a well-established record of political interference inside South Africa’s intelligence structures.
The High-Level Review Panel on the SSA, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, found that the civilian intelligence service had become extensively entangled in ruling-party politics and factional battles.
The panel said intelligence structures had been used to serve party factions and individual political interests rather than legitimate state security objectives.
Ramaphosa later instructed intelligence officials to remain outside party-political dynamics and operate lawfully and impartially.
State Capture Findings Raised Similar Concerns
Government’s official response to the State Capture Commission also addresses the political misuse of intelligence resources.
It states that using national intelligence agencies to destabilise opposition parties, benefit a ruling party or influence political outcomes poses a serious threat to democracy.
The government says reforms have since been introduced to strengthen oversight, professionalise intelligence structures and prevent a repeat of earlier abuses.
Reform Process Continues
In its 2025/26 budget statement, the SSA said it was still implementing recommendations from the High-Level Review Panel and the State Capture Commission.
The agency also said independent senior counsel had begun assessing allegations of past malfeasance for possible disciplinary or prosecutorial action.
News24’s investigation therefore adds a specific EFF-related allegation to a wider, officially documented history of political interference within South Africa’s intelligence services.
Any individuals implicated in unlawful conduct remain entitled to due process, and the newly reported allegations have not yet been tested in court.