The Security Branch is a branch of the government of the Republic of South Africa which is responsible for the internal and external security and intelligence related affairs of the country. It was formed in 2002 as an amalgamation of the country's civilian security services and acts essentially as an overarching regulatory and policy agency. Unlike other government departments, which are led by ministers, the Security Branch is led by the Secretary of Security (currently S.C. Vermeulen), who answers directly to the State President. The State President himself is heavily involved with the Security Branch and has regularly taken personal charge of the branch.