SA faces number of potential threats to its national security and interests

THE National Security Strategy for the period between 2019 and 2024 had warned the government that South Africa's main project of democratic dispensation remained to be ensuring a better life for all citizens.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The document released on Tuesday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said if political emancipation was translated into economic well-being for all citizens, there was a need in turn to understand the direct relationship between security and development.

“It must be emphasised that, an absence of security gives rise to low economic development, weak state institutions and an incapacitated state.

"The converse also holds true; stability and security create conditions conducive to democracy, economic development, prosperity and the well-being of the citizens,” reads the document. The National Security Strategy observed that South Africans continued to face serious threats to their wellbeing.

“Organised crime and general high levels of crime, food insecurity, biosafety and diseases, gender based violence and terrorism are amongst such noted threats.”

It also said there was an emergence of disregard for the authority of the State by some.

“This results in lawlessness and is exacerbated by the slow and inefficient application of justice. It creates opportune conditions for criminal elements and negative forces to operate.”