South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has revealed that the threat of a potential coup d’état has been identified as one of the key national risks in the country’s National Security Strategy for 2024–2028. She gave the assurance, however, that government intelligence agencies are actively monitoring and mitigating the threat.

Ntshavheni addressed journalists at Parliament following the budget vote debate for her department in the National Assembly. Her comments come amid heightened security concerns following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and raised alarm over the state of law enforcement in the country.

In light of these developments, President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Mchunu on special leave and announced the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations. The commission, to be chaired by retired Justice Madlanga, is expected to probe matters related to national security lapses and possible misconduct within the police and intelligence communities.

Ntshavheni clarified that while the possibility of a coup exists as a theoretical risk, there has been no actual attempt in recent weeks.

“One of the risks is the risk of a coup d’état. We have identified it and we’ve put measures to mitigate against it. That’s why we say to South Africans—there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa,” she stated.

She acknowledged, however, that monitoring continues for individuals or groups potentially harbouring intentions to destabilise the state.

“In the last few days or in the last few weeks, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa. We can say that they are not people planning — they are — but we’re continuously monitoring them and making sure that we deal with those,” she added.

Regarding the newly announced Madlanga Commission, Ntshavheni pledged the full cooperation of the State Security Agency (SSA) and all related intelligence structures.

“As I table this vote, I want to commit that the SSA and all intelligence structures that I am responsible for will avail themselves for the Judge Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as announced by the President,” she said.

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