By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu
The evolution of South Africa’s intelligence services and the academic study of intelligence science took centre stage at a public lecture hosted by the North-West University (NWU) on 3 April 2025. Delivered by retired lecturer and intelligence expert Henning van Aswegen, the lecture explored the historical foundations, transformation and modern-day challenges of intelligence in South Africa.
Henning, a former lecturer at the South African Intelligence College and author of Die Buro and Spioenmeesters, provided an in-depth analysis of how intelligence evolved from a wartime necessity into a sophisticated academic discipline. “Intelligence is not just about secrecy – it is about understanding the world,” he remarked, emphasising the role of intelligence in governance, national security and democratic accountability.
The lecture traced the roots of South African intelligence back to the colonial era, where intelligence gathering was a strategic tool in military and political conflicts. During the apartheid years, intelligence agencies such as the Bureau of State Security played a controversial role in state surveillance and counterespionage, often operating with limited oversight.
However, Henning noted that intelligence had to transition from a purely operational tool to a structured academic field. The establishment of the South African Intelligence College marked a turning point, with intelligence being studied alongside disciplines such as psychology, criminology and political science. “The perception of intelligence as just ‘spying’ is outdated,” he said. “It has become a structured science that requires strategic thinking, ethical considerations and advanced analytical skills.”
The role of intelligence in post-apartheid South Africa
Following the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa’s intelligence agencies underwent significant restructuring. The formation of the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service aimed to align intelligence work with democratic principles, ensuring transparency and accountability while maintaining national security.
Henning highlighted the shift from a security-driven intelligence model to one that focuses on counterterrorism, cyber intelligence and economic security. He pointed out that intelligence professionals today are tasked with protecting not just state interests but also economic stability and digital infrastructure. “In the modern era, intelligence agencies are combating cyber threats, organised crime and geopolitical risks that extend far beyond traditional espionage,” he explained. “The field has evolved, and so must its practitioners.”
The lecture emphasised the need for ongoing academic engagement with intelligence science. Henning commended institutions such as the NWU for fostering discussions on the subject and encouraged students to consider careers in intelligence analysis, risk assessment and cybersecurity.
Intelligence expert Henning van Aswegen explored the historical foundations, transformation and modern-day challenges of intelligence in South Africa.
