Johannesburg — PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday ruled out "third force" theories about the origins of service delivery protests, saying that there was no need to call in the National Intelligence Agency to provide clues.

He said service delivery protests are a clear case of discontent over municipal shortcomings. Zuma's approach was a departure from the previous administration, which came under fire for involving intelligence agents in municipal discontent. Zuma's dismissal of third force involvement was supported by the African National Congress Youth League, which urged mayors and councillors to face up to communities and not dismiss the disgruntlement as the work of outsiders.

Zuma said his surprise visit to Mpumalanga's Balfour township earlier this week had given him an understanding of the people's anger and frustration.

He saw first-hand that there was no school, no clinic and other services were lacking. "It doesn't need a report from NIA to tell you that, absolutely," he told the National Press Club in Pretoria.

Centre for Policy Studies analyst Aubrey Matshiqi said while Zuma's take on the role of intelligence agency was to be welcomed, a cynical interpretation could suggest that it was no guarantee that agents would not infiltrate social movements spearheading the protests. "Public denunciation could well provide the perfect cover for intelligence operatives to gather information on protesters," he said.

Zuma committed himself to more such appearances. "I have no intention of relying solely on reports from departments," he said.