The DA said it would oppose the reported appointment of Shaik, one of President Jacob Zuma's closest advisers.

"Mo Shaik is deeply involved in faction fights within the ruling party, and we must therefore assume that his appointment will further politicise the NIA," DA MP Theo Coetzee said.

According to weekend newspapers, the contract of the present head, Manala Manzini, expires today.

Shaik told Rapport that he had not yet received an invitation to join the NIA. - Sapa

With acknowledgements to Sapa and The Star.