The ANC succession battle has gone to the heart of the country’s security establishment and this weekend there was confusion over whether the country’s top spook has quit his job in protest over spies being used in political operations.
Brian Dube, spokesman for State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, said yesterday the director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Gibson Njenje, had resigned, but Njenje said this was not true.
The spy chief is said to have had an acrimonious relationship with President Jacob Zuma and Cwele over the direction that the NIA ought to take before the ANC centenary elective conference in Mangaung.
Dube said yesterday Njenje had resigned but refused to be drawn on the circumstances.
“The minister has accepted the resignation and thanked Mr Njenje for his services and contribution to the national project of securing the country, its people and the constitutional order. We do not wish to be drawn on the other issues, which are speculation,” said Dube.
Njenje appeared baffled: “I have not resigned. Brian is not telling the truth. If he says I have resigned, ask him nicely to show you my letter of resignation.” - Sunday Argus