Masetlha had held various positions in the government, including the role of NIA director-general. However, he was fired by former President Thabo Mbeki in 2006 following allegations that he had been spying on behalf of former President Jacob Zuma. Mbeki cited a lack of trust as the reason for Masetlha’s dismissal.
Despite his dismissal, Masetlha continued to play a significant role in the African National Congress (ANC) and was elected to the party’s national executive committee several times. He was a founding member of the Congress of South African Students and actively participated in political organizations such as the Azanian Students Organisation and the Soweto Students Representatives Council. Masetlha went into exile in the late 1970s.
Although there have been rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding Masetlha’s dismissal from the NIA, there is no evidence to suggest that these claims are true. Masetlha’s contributions to South African politics and the ANC will be remembered, and his passing is a significant loss to the country.