"I know this is a career-limiting thing to say, but I never truly believed in the role of a minister in intelligence. 

"Having to report to a minister - I knew it would provide the basis for conflict. My understanding is that the minister should not direct intelligence services, this made it uncomfortable for me to report to a minister - the preference would be to go to a president," he explained.

Shaik was giving testimony to the commission relating to the activities of state security officials.

Shaik, who has an extensive history in intelligence, was appointed in 2009 as head of foreign intelligence under the then-minister of intelligence, Siyabonga Cwele.

Intelligence later became known as the State Security Agency (SSA).

According to Shaik, intelligence directly translated to power as it is was designed to predict or influence events.

"Knowing what is happening allows one to influence the direction. If I know you are going to be appointed minister of finance, I would also assess how the market will interpret your appointment, I could hedge the currency against your appointment - so you can see how knowing events beforehand is such an important thing - that is power," he explained as an example.

As a result, Shaik was of the view that it was not favourable for intelligence to report to or appoint a minister.

News24