Revelations of Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters that placed South African political leaders and/or officials under surveillance at the 2009 G8/G20 Summits and hacked the department’s computer network; and meeting with the British High Commissioner to South Africa

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 3096 (NW3653E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 38-2013 OF 15 NOVEMBER 2013

MR DJ MANIER (DA-MP) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

1. Whether, in light of recent revelations that Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (a) placed South African political leaders and/or officials under surveillance at the 2009 G8/G20 summits and (b) hacked her department’s computer network, she met with the British High Commissioner to South Africa to discuss the matter; if not, why not; if so, (i) when did the meeting take place, (ii) what was discussed at the meeting and (iii) what was the outcome of the meeting;
   
   
2. Whether she took any action to ensure that her department’s computer network was safe from hacking; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
   
   
3. Whether she took any specified action with regard to this matter; if not, why not; if so, what specified action?  NW3653E

REPLY:

1. No.  The matter is being dealt with, followed up by the State Security Agency through their channels.
   
   
2. The Department has taken the necessary measures to ensure that its computer network is secure.
   
   
3. No.  The matter is being dealt with, followed up by the State Security Agency.

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