Cape Town - Parliament this week launched a programme to re-vet and determine the “security competence” of its officials.
“The State Security Agency, which conducts security vetting for organs of state, is facilitating the process,” Parliament said in a statement.
Parliament’s security policy required all employees to undergo vetting and all staff appointments were subject to positive security clearance.
A similar vetting programme was initially undertaken in 2005. Parliament’s senior managers were again vetted in the Fourth Parliament. Security clearance certificates were valid for 10 – 15 years before they expired.
“In addition to actual vetting processes, the current programme focuses on security awareness of officials to sensitise officials about recruitment strategies used by intelligence agents, the minimum levels of vigilance required of officials, and how to handle information responsibly.”
Security awareness presentations to senior management were completed this week. Presentations to the rest of staff would start next week, Parliament said.
African News Agency