Siyabonga Cwele

R1.5 billion

value of cases implicated in

No longer in government. Zondo Commission found he obstructed SSA investigations to protect Zuma. No criminal charges filed as of early 2026.

The Record The Evidence How This Person Hurts You Career Timeline Network The Case Files

The Record

Minister of State Security from 2009 to 2014 — the first to hold the position after the SSA was created. His tenure coincided with the establishment of the PAN and the beginning of large-scale fund diversion. The Zondo Commission found Cwele obstructed investigations into the SSA, including investigations into the Guptas and Fraser, to protect Zuma. His wife, Sheryl Cwele, was convicted of drug trafficking in 2011 while he was the intelligence minister. No criminal charges have been filed against him for SSA-related conduct.

The Evidence

Cases documented

Career Timeline

Period · 2016–2017

Party: ANC · Status: Private Sector

How This Person Hurts You

Pain points driven by the 2 case(s) Siyabonga Cwele is implicated in.

Unsafe StreetsWhy you don't feel safe Weak RandWhy your money buys less Empty PromisesWhy no one goes to jail

Career Timeline

2014Minister of Telecommunications and Postal ServicesState Security Agency2014-05 – 2019-05appointed

2009Minister of State SecurityState Security Agency2009-05 – 2014-05appointed

Network

01Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

02Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

03Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

04Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

05Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

06Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

07Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

08Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

09Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

10Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

11Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

12Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

13Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

14Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

15Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zumapolitical patronconvictedAppointed by Zuma as first Minister of State Security after the SSA's creation in 2009. Obstructed investigations to protect Zuma's interests.

16Arthur Fraserpolitical patronunknownAs minister, held oversight over the SSA during the period when Fraser was establishing the PAN and parallel structures.

Implicated In

Cases where Siyabonga Cwele is documented as perpetrator, enabler, beneficiary, orchestrator, political protector, accused, or convicted.

01SSA Slush Funds & Cash Payments: R1.5B+ Diverted Through Covert OperationsAlleged Enabler2016intelligence abuseR1.5 billionAdmittedFirst Minister of State Security (2009-2014). Obstructed SSA investigations to protect Zuma during the period when the CDSO was being established.

02SSA Funding of ANC Factions: Intelligence Funds Weaponised for Party PoliticsAlleged Enabler2017intelligence abuseUndisclosed (part of R1.5B CDSO total)NotedAs first Minister of State Security (2009-2014), set the precedent of obstructing SSA investigations to protect Zuma's political interests.

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Implicated In

SSA Slush Funds & Cash Payments: R1.5B+ Diverted Through Covert Operations

R1.5 billion

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