The NdB Sunday Show - Alwyn Swart: The Big 5 are only “middle managers”, spies in power plays, Trump & Israel…

In this edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn and intelligence Analyst Alwyn Swart of Fulcrum Analytics talk about the instrumentalisation of the intelligence apparatus by administrations across the ideological spectrum; as well as the links between high-ranking officials and external parties using South Africa as a proxy, not only for political influence but also to do business in the international crime space. As for the fixation on the so-called Big 5, Swart says: “I would say the Big Five are merely line middle managers. They are connected to their influencers outside the borders of South Africa and it is difficult to arrest one and think the problem is gone.” Asked whether there are links between the international crime cartels and the international influencers of South African politics, he says: “Definitely. Although something like that has been viewed as very politically sensitive - and I do not think that will be exposed in the media. I do not also think that will be stated in high-end inquiry reports due to the threat that it has for stability in South Africa.” Swart also gives his take on the relationship between the United States and Israel amid the Iran War, and South Africa’s post-Cold War significance in the event of World War III.