Polygraph test for McBride
NEWLY-APPOINTED director for the foreign branch of the State Security Agency (SSA), Robert McBride, will have to avail himself for a polygraph test to complete the process for the issuing of his top-secret clearance.
This after the test could not be conducted in an effort to reduce the chances of possible transmission of the virus between him and an SSA official as they would have spent considerable time together.
State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo revealed this when responding to parliamentary questions from the Freedom Front Plus’s Pieter Groenewald, who asked the criteria for top secret security clearance that was required for a senior appointment in the SSA.
Groenewald also wanted to know whether McBride attained security clearance and complied with the specified criteria.
McBride was appointed to his SSA post from July 1 until June 2023 in a move designed to bring organisational stability to the agency.
He took over from Joyce Mashele who acted in that position.
In her response, Dlodlo said the criteria for top secret security clearance included the successful completion of the vetting process that included verification of the applicant’s records.
This included criminal records, financial records, personal information, or any other information that is relevant to determine the security clearance of a person.
Dlodlo also said the positive outcome followed a vetting fieldwork investigation that the applicant was subjected to, two interviews with references were conducted, a work enquiry and a polygraph examination and evaluation.
She said in assessing the reports, an evaluator would consider his or her risk summary, integrity, loyalty to the state and the relevant institution and non-susceptibility to extortion and blackmail.