Ramaphosa: Appoints Leonard Lekgetho Permanent SIU Head

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as the permanent head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective immediately.
• Lekgetho succeeds Adv Andy Mothibi, who will become the National Director of Public Prosecutions on February 1, 2026.
• The appointment was made in terms of section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.
• Lekgetho brings 19 years of experience within the SIU, having served in various roles including Chief Operations Officer, and holds multiple degrees and diplomas.
• The SIU's mandate includes investigating corruption and maladministration in state institutions and recovering financial losses through civil litigation.

The Special Investigating Unit operates as an independent statutory body, established under the provisions of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (SIU Act).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially named Leonard Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), with the appointment taking immediate effect. The announcement, issued by The Presidency on Monday evening, formalizes Lekgetho's leadership of the crucial anti-corruption body. This move follows Lekgetho's prior tenure as acting head, a role he assumed after the departure of his predecessor.

Lekgetho steps into the position previously held by Adv Andy Mothibi, who is set to transition to the role of National Director of Public Prosecutions on February 1, 2026. The Presidency underscored that Lekgetho's permanent appointment is intended to ensure the stability of the Unit and maintain its effectiveness in combating crime and corruption. This leadership change is a significant development for South Africa's efforts to uphold integrity within its public sector.

The Special Investigating Unit operates as an independent statutory body, established under the provisions of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (SIU Act). Its core mission is to probe serious allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration that occur within state institutions, involving state assets, or concerning public money. The Unit also investigates any conduct deemed capable of causing substantial harm to the public interest.

A key aspect of the SIU's authority is its power to recover financial losses incurred by state institutions. This is achieved through civil litigation, allowing the Unit to pursue legal action to rectify any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations. The SIU's empowerment to initiate civil proceedings is fundamental to its role in ensuring accountability and restitution for public funds.

The newly appointed SIU head, Leonard Lekgetho, brings nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Unit, having been part of the SIU team since 2007. During his 19-year tenure, he has accumulated broad experience across various portfolios, progressing from an investigator to his most recent role as Chief Operations Officer. His career also includes a period as an investigator within the former Directorate of Special Operations, further solidifying his expertise in high-stakes investigations.

Lekgetho's academic credentials are equally robust, encompassing degrees in law, education, and science. He further holds a diploma in forensic auditing and a post-graduate diploma in cyber law, providing a comprehensive skill set pertinent to the complex nature of modern corruption and financial crime. President Ramaphosa extended his best wishes to Mr. Lekgetho, along with the leadership and staff of the SIU, as he assumes command of this vital agency.

The appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit is a pivotal moment for South Africa's anti-corruption drive. The SIU, as highlighted by The Presidency, represents a critical component within the nation's criminal justice framework, specifically targeting crime and corruption. His extensive background within the Unit, spanning from investigative roles to senior operational management, positions him uniquely to lead its ongoing efforts.

This leadership transition, occurring under the framework of the SIU Act 1996 appointment, signals continuity in the fight against public sector malfeasance. As the successor to Adv Andy Mothibi, Lekgetho's deep institutional knowledge and diverse qualifications are expected to bolster the SIU's capacity to investigate and recover funds, reinforcing the South Africa anti-corruption SIU's mandate to protect state resources and public trust.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the new SIU leadership as it may signal shifts in investigative priorities or enforcement strategies regarding corruption and maladministration in state institutions, impacting clients involved in public sector dealings or facing potential SIU investigations.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za