The Free State community gathered to contribute their suggestions for the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, proposing the appointment of a Deputy Chairperson for the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and a Deputy InspectorGeneral of Intelligence, as well as the differentiation between domestic and foreign intelligence services and the establishment of a South African National Intelligence Academy. Youth engagement in matters related to national security and concerns about security challenges experienced by residents were also discussed. Renowned organisations and individuals provided their feedback, with differing opinions on the Bill’s provisions. The Bill is now heading towards its final public hearing in East London.
The African National Congress (ANC) managed to retain its seat won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, but the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) each won a seat that was previously held by the ANC in the provinces of Free State, KwaZuluNatal, and Western Cape.