NATIONAL ASSEMBLY    

QUESTION NO. 117

FOR ORAL REPLY 

FOR ORAL REPLY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON 03.11.04

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 OCTOBER 2004

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30-2004)

                                                                                                                         N1332E  

Adv PS Swart (DA) to ask the Minister for Intelligence: 

Whether he has received the strategic report which he commissioned for 10 September 2004 from the task team of the SA National Academy on Intelligence (SANAI) on the Academy’s current and future capacity; if not, why not; if so, 

Whether it was found that SANAI is duly empowered and able to meet all the training demands of the intelligence agencies in respect of physical, intellectual and financial capacity; if not, what is the position in this regard; 

Whether he will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

Yes, a report was received from SANAI. 

The report showed certain deficiencies and identified areas for further development.  A comprehensive strategy based on the report is being devised to address the identified deficiencies and further development work is in progress. 

It was found that SANAI at this early stage of its development does not have the capacity to meet all the training demands of the intelligence agencies.  It was, therefore, decided that the Academy needed to focus on basic training courses and not be over-ambitious.     

The physical infrastructure needs developing in a modest way and a plan has been drawn up to address this situation.  The plan is being processed and tenders for the construction of additional facilities will be called soon.   

As far as intellectual capacity is concerned, it was found that the number of trainers is insufficient.  Recruitment of additional trainers has been identified as one of the highest priorities of SANAI.   

As far as finances are concerned, the Academy has adequate funds to finance moderate projected plans.   

Much work has been achieved over the one year of SANAI’s existence and this has to be consolidated.  The focus must be on basic activity and modest

growth.  Management needs a greater sense of unity and this will be achieved by clarification of the concepts guiding SANAI and the comprehensive strategy being devised. 

Further consultation and study, including that of course management and financial projection are underway.  A big effort will be needed to place the Academy on a firm foundation and ensure its sustainability.

No.