The Need for Boss

Boss was officially created in 1969 to place under one authority the responsibility for gathering of intelligence. It combined the duties of police - internal security, and the military - external. Both bodies had shown little ability to effectively coordinate their findings.

In 1960 the Sharpeville and Langa massacres were the flashpoints of a rising tide of resentment to the racist policies of the white government. The internal threat, coupled with an increase in guerilla activity along her borders convinced the South African government of the need for an improved method of dealing with what was obviously a coordinated struggle.

Anxiety continued to grow. The government felt that the Suppression of Communism Act, the Terrorism Act, and Sabotage Act and the detention-without-trial laws were insufficient. Hence the enthusiam for another efficient organisation. Since 1969 it has become obvious that its duties are far more involved than they may appear to be on the surface. Basically the organisation is entrusted with maintaining a stable secure environment in which the white minority can maintain its high standards of wealth and power.