[There is no credible terrorist threat to South Africa. Ronnie Kasrils also was a member of the South African Communist Party for a long time. Now he is the Minister of Intelligence. Methinks, the real “terrorists” they are worried about are people like me. We’re the “terrorists” who are being watched… as well as White men who have no jobs and no opportunities in this country due to Affirmative Action and who then take risky, high-paying jobs in Africa or Iraq… They will be caught and sent to prison for trying to make a living in the only way that is left open to them – by working as Security Guards in another country.

The way I see it: A White man with a (legally purchased) Gun, or a White man with an Opinion – is seen as an enemy of the state. Jan]

While international terrorism appears to pose no immediate threat to South Africa, vigilance remains the watchword, Minister of Intelligence Ronnie Kasrils said on Tuesday.

Introducing debate on his Budget vote in the National Assembly, he said: “Although there has been much media speculation over the possible effects of international terrorism on our country, we can say that we do not discern any imminent threat.

“Since no country can claim immunity from this scourge, we remain vigilant,” Kasrils said.

Measures that are in place are broad and comprehensive. They place the maintenance of human rights and the rule of law at the centre, as these are the basis of democracy and the very values often targeted by terrorists.

“And in using these measures, no section of our community will be victimised simply by virtue of their culture or creed.

“Our vigilance has yielded results. We have seen the capture of mercenaries plotting the overthrow of the government of Equatorial Guinea and the arrest and deportation of wanted international terrorists seeking refuge in our country,” he said.

Other significant breakthroughs include the disruption of urban terror activities and the exposure of a network involved in nuclear proliferation.

“We will use our powers where necessary, but these will not be abused as was the case under apartheid. Today’s intelligence operatives are inculcated in the spirit of our democratic ethos.”

However, while the most remarkable political stability in South Africa’s history has been achieved, “some local trends” need attention.

“I refer particularly to the increase of violence in KwaZulu-Natal, the taxi violence and recent instability at municipal level at a number of localities around the country.

“Legitimate protest is a healthy facet of any true democracy, but those instigating violence must know that the law will deal with transgressors,” Kasrils said. — Sapa

Source: Daily Mail & Guardian
URL: http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/br…/p>