Mo Shaik begins his job as the country's head of Secret Services on Monday.

State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele appointed Shaik as the South African Secret Service chief on Friday.

Opposition parties criticised the appointment, saying the ANC was rewarding and promoting incompetence.

The public on Mo Shaik

Shaik's close relationship with President Jacob Zuma raised questions about his independence.

Shaik used unsubstantiated evidence to slander National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka in order to defend Zuma’s honour.

The Democratic Alliance's leader Helen Zille said Shaik was being repaid for his loyalty.

"What we're seeing is a favour for a friend. We can't see anyone less appropriate than Shaik," she said.

The Congress of the People's Willie Madisha said Shaik's alleged role in the arms deal was concerning.

"He is implicated in the arms deal and he has been accused of being unprofessional politically."

Shaik told Eyewitness News he would like to comment on reactions to his appointment but had to follow government protocol before speaking to the media.

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