Sifolo tells Madlanga Commission media freedom and security coexist
He's expected to provide evidence on the relationship between intelligence and security structures.
Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC), addressed the Madlanga Commission, asserting that media freedom and national security are not inherently opposing forces in South Africa's constitutional democracy. During his opening remarks at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, Sifolo emphasized the need to view these two aspects as mutually beneficial responsibilities.
He further detailed his upcoming testimony, which will focus on the dynamics between intelligence and security structures, as well as allegations of criminal syndicate infiltration within these institutions. Sifolo acknowledged the Commission's decision to hear his testimony in public before moving to private sessions, stating that this approach strikes a delicate balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive intelligence information.
He urged the audience to uphold the right to know while recognizing that the manner of disclosure is equally important as the information itself. Sifolo concluded by advocating for the exposure of corruption and unlawful activities without compromising the individuals whose lives depend on the confidentiality of legitimate operations.
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