Terrorism in South Africa History and Counter-Measures

While terrorism has not been viewed as a significant threat to the security of the state since the end of apartheid, South Africa has a complex history of political violence and continues to navigate threats from both racial and extremist ideologies.

Legal Framework and Counter-Terrorism Strategies

South Africa has evolved its legal approach to combating terrorism over several decades. In 1967, the Terrorism Act No 83 was passed, which defined terrorist activities as acts that endanger the maintenance of law and order. This was later updated in 2003 with the Anti-Terrorism Bill (Bill 12 of 2003), expanding the definition to include unlawful acts committed both inside and outside the Republic.

To further strengthen its security posture, the Parliament passed the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (No. 33 of 2004). This Act provides measures to prevent and combat terrorist activities, addresses the financing of terrorism, and ensures compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions. This legislation is currently undergoing amendments to remain effective.

The National Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Adopted in 2013 and remaining active as of 2021, the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy is aligned with the UN's Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. It is built upon five key pillars:

• Understanding and Prediction: Analyzing threats to anticipate attacks.
• Prevention: Taking proactive measures to stop terrorism.
• Mitigation: Reducing the impact of potential attacks.
• Combating: Active operations to neutralize threats.
• Response: Dealing with the consequences of terrorist acts.

This strategy is supported by an annual implementation plan and a rigorous assessment process.

Historical Incidents of Political Violence

Pre-1994 Incidents

During the struggle against apartheid, several paramilitary groups carried out attacks. uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the paramilitary wing of the ANC, conducted bombings in Pretoria (Church Street), Amanzimtoti, and the Durban beach-front, as well as a landmine campaign that affected civilians.

Similarly, the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) targeted white civilians under the slogan "One Settler, One Bullet," leading to massacres at Saint James Church and the Heidelberg Tavern.

Post-1994 Racial Terrorism

Following the transition to democracy, white supremacist organizations emerged to oppose the new order. In October 2002, the group Die Boeremag (Boer power) claimed responsibility for eight bombs in Soweto, targeting railway lines and a mosque. This led to the arrest of numerous members, including military officers, and the seizure of 3,000 kg of explosives.

Other active groups include the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), founded by Eugene Terre' Blanche. In 2010, members were arrested for plotting attacks on black townships and visitors during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. More recently, in 2022, Pastor Harry Knoesen of the National Christian Resistance Movement was convicted for plotting to overthrow the government and contaminate water supplies to kill thousands of black South Africans.

Islamic and Global Extremism

Since the September 11 attacks, South Africa has seen connections to global extremist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS. Islamic fundamentalists have operated training camps within the country's borders.

Notable incidents include the 2007 designation of two South African citizens as al-Qaeda financiers by the U.S. Treasury. In 2013, banks closed accounts of the Al-Aqsa Foundation due to its alleged links to Hamas. In 2016, brothers Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie were arrested after attempting to join ISIS in Syria and subsequently planning attacks on U.S. and Jewish targets within South Africa.

Further prosecutions have continued into 2019, including cases involving attacks on a Shia mosque in Durban and the killing of British-South African dual nationals Rodney and Rachel Saunders.